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How Child Abuse Affects The Brain: Scientists Explain What Happens To Your Brain When You Suffered From Child Abuse

March 6, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Child abuse is one of the toughest, most gut-wrenching things to talk about. The word ‘cruel’ doesn’t begin to describe the mentality necessary to inflict harm on an innocent child.

Yet, discussing the psychological ramifications of child abuse is an absolute must. This is particularly true in a society that insists we “pick ourselves up by our bootstraps” and simply “move on.” Many adults’ pleas have fallen on deaf ears, as mental health benefits in healthcare plans continue to decrease across both the private and public sectors.

So, we’re doing our own small part. In this article, we’re going to discuss how child abuse affects brain wiring into adulthood. Please share this article and help get the word out if you believe the information contained within will do some good. (Thank you!)

Here’s how child abuse changes the brain as an adult:

Alterations to the ACC

Per a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, long-lasting effects of traumatic childhood experiences – including child abuse – strongly correlate with impairment to the structure and function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).

The ACC is one part of the brain that plays an imperative role in regulating emotions, impulses, and mood. Researchers believe that these changes to the ACC result in the manifestation of depressive disorders and suicidal ideations.

Myelin Abnormalities of the Abused

The rapid messaging that takes place between regions of the brain is astonishing in its complexity. Billions of neurons (brain cells) transmit nerve impulses within a split second.

Many of these electrical signals must travel long distances to communicate with neurons in other brain regions. The long axons (threadlike nerve cells) are protected by a fatty coating called myelin. Besides safeguarding the axon, this fatty sheath also assists the axons in conducting electrical signals more efficiently.

Myelin develops rapidly during childhood, continuing to mature into early adulthood. Post-mortem microscopic imaging reveals significant abnormalities in the myelinated nerve fibers of people who committed suicide and had a history of severe childhood abuse.

Impaired Neural Connectivity

Of the three groups of individuals studied, only those who suffered from child abuse showed reduced myelin coating. Additionally, the research team discovered molecular alterations that affect the development and maintenance of myelin.

These changes, scientists speculate, may alter the functional communication between the cortical (“cover”) and subcortical (“underneath”) areas of the brain. Perhaps most notably, this communication includes that between the nucleus accumbens, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex (PFC).

The nucleus accumbens and the amygdala are areas of the brain linked to emotional regulation and to reward and satisfaction, respectively. If these subcortical areas are damaged, as seems to be the case with at least some victims of child abuse, it may very well lead to altered emotional processing (e.g., difficulty understanding emotions.)

The Impact

For the first time, researchers have been able to see changes in the neural structures in specific areas of the brains of people who suffered severe abuse as children. ~ Katherine Gombay, McGill University

As mentioned, this research (conducted by scientists at McGill University in Quebec, Canada) is the first of its kind. For years, psychologists, neurologists, neuroscientists, and other experts have posited that child abuse alters the natural development of a child’s brain. Finally, advances in brain imaging technology have all but proven that these changes are indeed real.

Estimates place the prevalence of severe childhood abuse somewhere between 5-15 percent of children aged 15 or younger. Psychiatric difficulties associated with severe childhood abuse include an increased risk of depression and anxiety, as well as higher levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity. Tragically, victims of child abuse are much more likely to commit suicide.

The McGill University research study shows that physiological and functional changes in the brain as a result of child abuse are possible – if not inevitable. As with any study of this magnitude, scientists will attempt to replicate its findings and draw their conclusions.

As for the rest of us, may we find this information to be helpful to someone. “Spreading the word” about anything that may change a life is a kind and honorable act.

While we’re at it, we hope that the results of this (and similar) brain research penetrate the bureaucracy of public and private institutions in charge of supervising public health, including the upper echelons of government. Individuals who ultimately make decisions about public healthcare – including resource allocation for mental health purposes – should be held accountable.

Child Abuse Resources

Per helpguide.org, here is a list of child abuse hotlines:

US or Canada: 1-800-422-4453 (Childhelp)
UK: 0800 1111 (NSPCC Childline)
Australia: 1800 688 009 (CAPS)
New Zealand: 0800-543-754 (Kidsline)
Other international helplines: Child Helpline International (www.childhelplineinternational.org)

Help for child sexual abuse:

1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368) – Stop It Now
1-800-656-HOPE – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Or visit ChiWorld.org for a list of other international child helplines.

If you think that a child is being abused, please contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report.

Sources:
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.16111286?code=ajp-site
https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/child-abuse-affects-brain-wiring-270024

10 Habits of Couples That Stay Madly In Love

March 6, 2018 by Power of Positivity

We all know that relationships are a lot of work. In the beginning, everything seems so easy. The honeymoon period fades, though, and relationships become more about communication and compromise. Not all couples will be together forever, but many can overcome the years. Couples who stay in love for years practice some of the same core habits.

Here Are 10 Habits of Couples Who Stay Madly in Love

1. Love Requires Communication

This is truly the golden rule for couples staying madly in love. Good communication is key for every relationship, strong ones. Being able to talk to your partner will significantly improve your relationship.

But, there’s a huge difference between communication and conversing with your partner. Author and philanthropist Tony Robbins says, “People often confuse communication for talking or making conversation, and this is the root cause of why many of these same people are so unsuccessful in communicating with their partners. Communication in relationships, at its core, is about connecting and using your verbal, written and physical skills to fulfill your partner’s needs.”

In this statement, Tony Robbins highlights the critical nature of understanding that communication in relationships is not just about talking or making conversation but about connecting with your partner and fulfilling their needs. He suggests that many people fail to communicate effectively with their partners because they misunderstand the true purpose of communication in a relationship.

According to Robbins, effective communication requires verbal, written, and physical skills. This means that communication in relationships is not just limited to verbal communication. It also includes nonverbal cues such as body language, touch, and facial expressions. It also includes written communication, such as text messages or love letters.

Effective communication involves creating a deeper connection with your partner and understanding their needs. This involves actively listening to your partner and expressing your needs and desires in a way your partner can understand.

Robbins emphasizes that successful communication in relationships requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to share your emotions and feelings with your partner. This means being honest about your thoughts and feelings, even admitting fault or displaying vulnerability.

Open and honest communication is a habit that every couple should have, especially if you want your relationship to last.

2. Say “I love you” … a Lot

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

For some people, saying “I Iove you” is incredibly meaningful. That means they don’t want to cheapen the words by saying them too often. But saying “I love you” too much, is much better than not saying it enough.

Professor and author Terri Orbuch, Ph.D. states, “Saying and doing small, simple expressions of gratitude every day yields big rewards. When people feel recognized as special and appreciated, they’re happier in that relationship and more motivated to make the relationship better and stronger.”

Orbuch highlights the importance of expressing gratitude in relationships. She suggests that small, simple expressions of gratitude can significantly impact the happiness and satisfaction of both partners in the relationship.

Orbuch argues that when people feel recognized and appreciated for their efforts, they are more likely to feel happier in the relationship and more motivated to make it stronger. This is because expressing gratitude helps to foster a sense of connection and intimacy between partners, creating a positive emotional bond.

Don’t be afraid to express your love for your partner whenever you feel it. Couples who stay in love for years express their love often.

3. Be Kind to One Another

Teasing and jokes are okay, but don’t take things too far. If you know that there’s something that your partner is sensitive about, don’t try to tease them about it. Being kind can go a long way.

“Becoming a more effective partner is the most efficient way to assure a loving, intimate relationship. Kindness and having your partner’s back are essential,” says psychotherapist, counselor, and the author, Judy Ford. Couples with a love that lasts for years are always kind to one another. Being kind is how you build understanding and trust.

According to Ford, being an effective partner involves being attentive to your partner’s needs and feelings and responding in kind and supportive way. This means showing empathy, understanding, and compassion towards your partner, even when you may disagree with their perspective.

Having your partner’s back means being a loyal and supportive ally, standing up for your partner, and supporting them through both good times and bad. It means being there for your partner, listening to their concerns, and offering practical help and emotional support when needed.

Ford argues that these qualities are essential for building a strong and healthy relationship because they create both partners’ sense of safety and security. When both partners can rely on each other for emotional support, they are more likely to feel connected and committed to the relationship.

4. Make Time for One Another

Even when you’re busy with work or school, always make time to be with one another. “No matter who you are or what your work is, you need to nurture your relationship. Make sure you schedule time for the well-being of your relationship. That includes making “play dates” and also taking downtime together,” says psychologist Lynda Klau, PhD.

Life can get in the way, but couples who have strong and long-lasting relationships always put one another first. Even if it’s only an hour to meet for lunch, having time to see one another and connect is essential.

5. Forgiveness

Everyone makes mistakes. We’re all human. Even couples madly in love make mistakes and accidentally hurt one another’s feelings. However, couples who make their relationship last always know how to forgive one another. Forgiveness can help heal many cracks in a relationship and strengthen it.

6. Love Means Compromise

Another staple of any strong relationship is compromised. Things can’t always be done the exact way you want them to. Knowing how to compromise with your partner will keep you both sane when that happens.

Dr. Gabrielle Morrissey says, “… compromise is part of a relationship. When you get two people merging and sharing their lives, communication isn’t the only necessary skill to navigate all that and stay happy together…compromise is a big part of it too.”

Being able to concede on some things is part of growing up. It is also part of keeping your relationship good and strong.

7. Enjoy the Moment

Stress can build quickly if you’re always looking toward the future. Stress can also cause a lot of strain on a relationship. Couples who have strong relationships always make sure to take some time and enjoy being in the moment. Appreciate the time that you have together, and your love will last for years.

8. Take Time for Yourself

As much as you love spending time with your partner, you must always make time for yourself. Do the things that you love, and make time for your hobbies. Couples who have strong relationships always take time to make themselves strong, too.

“There is one major cause of relationship problems: self-abandonment. When you decide to learn to love yourself rather than continue to abandon yourself, you will discover how to create a loving relationship with your partner,” says relationship expert and author Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

A relationship should be two individual people coming together.

9. Listen to Each Other

And that means really listening! Don’t just hear them – listen to what they have to say. Couples with solid and lasting relationships commit to listening to one another daily. This builds companionship between both partners, as well as trust and affection.

When couples listen to each other, they demonstrate their commitment to the relationship and show that they value their partner’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Listening also creates an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which is essential for building trust and intimacy.

Through listening, couples can learn more about each other, their hopes, fears, and dreams. They can gain insight into each other’s perspectives, which can help them to navigate conflicts and challenges in the relationship more effectively.

10. Support Each Other

As a couple, you are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. You’re also the first line regarding being one another’s support system.

“Being supportive does not mean doing anything for your partner that makes us uncomfortable. Part of being supportive is to be really present and a good listener, to not constantly stand in judgment and actually have a sincere and caring disposition,” says couples and marriage counselor Keith Flynn BSc, Dip. Hyp.

Couples with long-lasting relationships support each other. Even when things get tough, being there for one another will keep your love strong.

Final Thoughts on Couples Who Stay Madly in Love

Strong and long-lasting relationships are entirely possible. They take a little bit of work and effort. Both partners should commit to these everyday habits to make their relationship last for years. Couples who have been madly in love for years always make sure to be attentive to one another’s needs and to practice good, healthy habits.

10 Behaviors Successful Women Display Without Realizing It

March 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Success comes in many forms. Being successful means setting your own goals, and following through. Successful women don’t just wake up one morning and achieve their dreams. It takes effort and commitment. But, the most successful women do have habits that they follow. These are habits that anyone can pick up.

If you’re looking to find success in your life, take a look at how other women achieve their goals.

Here Are 10 Habits Of Successful Women

“Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeney

1. Educate yourself

Successful women make a habit of educating themselves as much as possible. This doesn’t always mean academic knowledge. Successful women know practical knowledge. She makes sure to ask questions and find answers for herself.

“You’ll get mentally stronger and wiser the more knowledge you accrue. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut, either mental or physical. Be curious, aware, and informed about the world,” states Wiki How. Even after you’ve finished school, there’s always more learning to do.

2.Set goals and follow through

Setting goals can be a little overwhelming at first. Successful women practice setting small goals and following through with them. Once goal setting and following through becomes a habit, you can start setting larger goals and know the steps to achieve them. Successful women become successful by following through with their goals, big or small.

3. Keep lists

Lists are a lifesaver for the successful woman. Professional keynote speaker Neen James shares that, “My #1 daily success habit professionally is investing 15 minutes every morning to identify my top 3 not negotiable activities for completion today. I do it every day and write it on a post it note that says ‘Today I will …’ and list my three.”

Writing lists can help with setting goals, but it can also help keep you organized. Good organization is part of every successful women’s habits. Getting organized is one of the very first, and most crucial, steps for success.

4. Stay socially connected

Having a support system is important to the successful woman. Friends and family are important to keep you on track in life. They can help manage stress, and be a sounding board for all of the things in life that overwhelm you. Being successful doesn’t require cutting yourself off from other people. In fact, being connected to other people is going to make success far more likely.

5. Have a schedule

Even your downtime should be scheduled. To be successful, you should always have something to do with your day. Make sure that every hour of your day is blocked off. Then, stick to it. Successful women always know what their day is going to look like the night before. They also always remember to schedule a time to decompress and relax.

Time management expert and author Laura Vanderkam says, “People seem to have this idea that having a full-time job leaves no space for many other things, but clearly that’s not true. It is quite possible to have a more than full-time job and have a very full personal life, too. It’s just a matter of where that time goes.”

6. Challenge yourself

Every day is a new opportunity to challenge yourself and overcome it. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Successful women are always striving to challenge themselves in one way or another. It’s one of the best ways to get better. Don’t be afraid of not overcoming the challenge. The most important thing is that you tried.

7. Manage stress

Success means knowing how to manage stress. Successful author Ciara Conlon states that, “My life takes on a different pace and energy when I stick to my daily meditation habit, I have more clarity and focus and I am able to manage the daily stresses of life much more effectively.”

Successful women have all kinds of healthy coping mechanisms when it comes to staying stress-free. Whether that means meditation, going to the gym, yoga, journaling or something else – staying on top of your stress and managing it well is integral to being a successful woman.

8. Try something new

Successful women don’t stay in the same rut. To become successful, they actively have to step outside of their comfort zone. “Underestimating yourself and playing it safe hold you back from success. When you believe in yourself and your abilities, you often can go beyond the imaginable,” says president for Lead from Within, Lolly Daskal.

Trying something new will make you more comfortable with stepping outside of that comfort zone. Start small: go somewhere new for lunch, and try something you’ve never had before. Before you know it, you’ll be applying for your dream job without any fear.

9. Don’t compare yourself to other women

Other women are not your competition. In fact, other women can be vital to your success. Successful women know this, and they know the power of female friendship and companionship.

“Comparing yourself to other people is limiting. Jealousy and resentment suck the life right out of you; they’re massive energy-stealers. Instead of wasting your energy on jealousy, funnel that energy into appreciation. When you celebrate the success of other people, you both benefit,” adds Dr. Travis Bradberry.

A successful woman never compares herself to another woman in her life. She knows that we’re all on our own paths in life, and some take different roads than others to get to where they’re going.

10. Be kind

Successful women know that the best way to connect with people is with kindness. That connection will contribute to your success in so many ways. Not only will it build a network of people who can help you become successful, it will build emotional connections as well.

“In the business of our busy lives we neglect many of the basic concept of recognition but gratitude gives us fortitude. Gratitude can transform any common day into a thanks giving day and turn routine jobs onto joy and change ordinary opportunities into something we get grateful about,” adds Daskal.

Kindness truly is a virtue and one that brings success to women in all walks of life.

Final thoughts

Success is more than just having money, or doing well at your job. Those can be part of success, but success is about your habits. Successful women know that these habits will serve them well throughout their life.

References:
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mentally-and-Emotionally-Strong
https://www.developgoodhabits.com/daily-success-habit/
https://www.businessinsider.in/13-ways-successful-women-make-the-most-of-their-time/They-plan-their-toughest-tasks-for-early-in-the-morning-/slideshow/47603972.cms
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/11-habits-of-mentally-strong-people_us_58efd4a7e4b04cae050dc5bd

13 Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Brain and Body

March 4, 2018 by Sarah Barkley

If you have trouble falling asleep at night or wake up frequently, you likely have sleep deprivation. It is essential to learn to overcome the lack of sleep because it drastically affects your brain and body. It does much more than make you feel groggy and grumpy.

You should aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night, even on the weekends. If you go for long periods getting less than that, you will experience a lack of sleep and its many effects. It depletes your mental abilities and poses a risk for your physical health.

Whether you have a sleep disorder or struggle with racing thoughts at night, anything that prevents you from getting rest is a problem. Your body requires sleep just as much as nutrients and water. Resting time depends on restoring chemical balances and promoting healing and immunity.

Thirteen Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Some of the signs of sleep deprivation include excessive sleepiness, frequent yawning, irritability, and daytime fatigue. If you experience any symptoms, make a lifestyle change immediately to reduce the effects. So what happens when you don’t get enough sleep? Take a look at these adverse consequences of sleep deprivation.

1. Sleep Deprivation Causes Memory Issues

Chronic insomnia can disrupt your central nervous system’s ability to function correctly. Research shows that a brain event called sharp-wave ripples is responsible for retaining memories.

The sharp wave ripples transfer learning information and memories from the hippocampus to the neocortex. These ripples occur during the deepest levels of sleep, which occur during a full sleep cycle.

2. Sleep Deprivation Can Cause Trouble Concentrating

Sleep is critical for thinking and learning, and you will find it difficult to concentrate with a lack of sleep. Lack of sleep harms your cognitive processes by impairing attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving. These impairments make it harder to focus, learn, and retain information.

3. Sleep Deprivation Can Cause Mood Swings

Sleep deprivation negatively impacts your mental and emotional state. You’ll experience mood swings and feel impatient about everything. Plus, it makes you feel irritable and hinders your ability to cope with difficult emotions and stress.

4. Sleep Deprivation Compromises Your Immune System

Your immune system produces antibodies and cytokines while you sleep. These substances provide protection, fight infection, and combat bacteria and viruses.

Some cytokines also promote sleep health, which further boosts your immune system. Without adequate sleep, your body cannot produce enough cytokines for normal functioning. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body can’t fight off invaders, and it will take longer to recover from illness.

5. Sleep Deprivation Can Increase Your Blood Pressure

When you sleep, normal blood pressure drops by 10-20%. This drop is called nocturnal dipping, and those that don’t experience it tend to have hypertension. Poor sleep or nighttime disruptions are linked to blood pressure that doesn’t drop at night.

Lack of nocturnal blood pressure has a more severe effect on the heart than hypertension during the day. It can also cause kidney problems and reduced blood flow to your brain.

Additionally, sleep deprivation can cause high blood pressure during the day too. Hypertension due to lack of sleep effects is most likely to affect middle-aged adults. Additionally, it often affects those who work long hours in high-stress jobs.

6. Sleep Deprivation Can Cause an Increased Risk of Diabetes

Research shows that people with no diabetes risk factors went into a pre-diabetic state after only one week of inadequate sleep. The researchers attribute the increased risk of diabetes to an overactive central nervous system. When the system is overactive, it affects the amount of insulin your pancreas produces to regulate glucose levels.

Additionally, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t process glucose efficiently either. So, even if your body produces it, you can’t use it properly. The longer you experience a lack of sleep, the more your risk of diabetes increases.

7. Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Weight Gain

According to research, people that sleep less than six hours each day are nearly 30% more likely to become obese. Sleep deprivation can cause weight gain for a few different reasons. First, it affects the levels of hormones leptin and ghrelin that control feelings of hunger and fullness.

Leptin signals your brain when you’ve eaten enough, but your leptin levels decrease when you haven’t had enough sleep. Your brain doesn’t receive the signal, and you continue eating even after you should have stopped. Lack of sleep raises ghrelin levels, stimulating your appetite and leading to unnecessary snacking.

Another reason lack of sleep causes weight gain is that it makes you too tired to exercise. You won’t have the energy to be active and burn calories or build muscle mass.

8. Sleep Deprivation Increases Your Risk for Developing Cardiovascular Diseases

Sleep is essential for keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. It affects your blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation levels. Getting enough sleep is also vital for healing and repairing blood vessels and the heart.

Studies show a link between insomnia and heart attack or stroke. It shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Lack of sleep increases your risk of the following issues:

heart attack
irregular heartbeat
heart disease
stroke
heart failure

9. Sleep Deprivation Lowers Your Libido

People who lack sleep experience lower libido and less interest in sex. This issue stems from depleted energy and increased tension, and it is accurate for men and women.

Men with sleep apnea have another reason for a lowered libido sleep deprivation. Studies show they also have low testosterone levels, affecting their sex drive.

10. Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Gait and balance

Research indicates that people with sleep disturbances experience worse balance and gait function. One study of 20 people with no previous history of sleep issues or balance impairments showed that lack of sleep affects balance and posture control.

The participants with deteriorating sleep quantity and quality experienced gait and balance changes. The people that didn’t experience sleep interruptions or deprivation experienced no changes.

11. Sleep Deprivation Makes You Prone to Accidents

Sleep deprivation is dangerous because it can play a role in major accidents. When you’re in a vehicle, it poses a threat to you and the public.

Research shows that driving without sleep is comparable to driving drunk as it slows your reaction time. It is the cause of about 100,000 vehicle crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths each year.

Driving isn’t the only time a lack of sleep can lead to accidents. You can experience more accidents and injuries on the job when you haven’t had enough sleep, too.

Additionally, the signals your body sends to your brain will likely be delayed when you’re exhausted. When this happens, it decreases your coordination and increases your risk of having an accident.

12. Sleep Deprivation Increases Your Risk for Depression

Lack of sleep can contribute to depression. Studies show that people with depression tend to get less than six hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation makes you five times more likely to develop depression; if you already have it, the symptoms will worsen.

Not getting enough sleep and depression create an endless cycle as they feed on one another. Lack of sleep aggravates depression symptoms, and depression results in less sleep. You might have to treat both issues to find an effective remedy.

13. Sleep Deprivation Can Increase the Aging Process

You’ll experience unhealthy skin coloring and puffy eyes when you don’t get enough sleep. Additionally, it causes dry skin, fine lines, and dark circles under your eyes. These appearance changes can make you look older and increase the aging process as your body can’t heal itself due to lack of sleep.

Without enough sleep, your body releases excess cortisol, a stress hormone. Increased cortisol levels break down the skin collagen, otherwise known as the protein that keeps skin smooth and flexible.

Additionally, lack of sleep causes a deficiency of human growth hormones. This hormone is essential for increasing muscle mass, thickening skin, and strengthening bones. When you don’t have enough, it speeds up the aging process, causing irreversible damage.

How To Treat Sleep Deprivation

Treating sleep deprivation is easy if you can plan on getting more high-quality sleep. Some treatment options include these behaviors:

getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night
treating sleep disorders
don’t try to force yourself to sleep
get out of bed and do something relaxing for a while
try reverse psychology
implement a consistent bedtime routine
set a time for worry so that you don’t worry at bedtime
get tasks in order and write down everything that comes to mind
focus on positive thinking
listen to calming music
play a relaxing audiobook or podcast
use white noise
try new relaxation methods
practice breathing exercises
meditate
try progressive muscle relaxation
do yoga
acknowledge your thoughts and recognize irrationalities
write in a journal

Final Thoughts on Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Brain and Body

Many people struggle to get enough sleep, and the effects on your brain and body are detrimental. Alleviating sleep deprivation can help you take control of your health and feel better overall.

Don’t ignore your lack of sleep and assume there won’t be long-term effects. Remember the effects of lack of sleep on your brain and body and find ways to fall asleep easier.

Researchers Reveal The Causes of Balding and Gray Hair

March 4, 2018 by Power of Positivity

What began as a study to investigate the mechanisms of a rare genetic disease may have uncovered instead the root cause of balding and hair greying.

“Although this project was started in an effort to understand how certain kinds of tumors form, we ended up learning why hair turns to gray and discovering the identity of the cell that directly gives rise to hair.” ~ Dr. Lu Le

Dr. Lu Le and colleagues were looking into a disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1 (‘NF1′), a genetic condition whereby tumors grow on nerve tissue in the brain and spinal cord. While this research remains ongoing, the team may have discovered a breakthrough in the cause and, possibly, treatment, of baldness and greying.

Grey hair, hair loss, and balding are natural and heavily influenced by genetics. While losing or greying of hair is not harmful, it can induce psychological stress (which, BTW, is not related to greying or baldness!) To this end, Dr. Le and colleagues believe that their research will eventually produce new treatment options.

Quick Stats About Balding And Graying

According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatology, 74% of people between the ages of 45 and 65 display some degree of greying. 6 to 23% of adults worldwide have 50 percent gray hair coverage by the age of 50 years.

Contrary to popular belief, a higher percentage of women display noticeable hair loss than men. The website statisticbrain.com cites that 80% of women will have noticeable hair loss by age 60, compared to 65% of males.

More data is available on men than women regarding hair loss. 40% of men will have noticeable hair loss by age 35; 65% by age 60, and 70% by age 80.

The Study

Dr. Le and colleagues found that an abnormality or absence of one of two proteins – ‘KROX20’ and stem cell factor (SCF) – “play(s) a significant role in hair loss and graying,” respectively.

Previous studies show that hair follicles (openings from which hair grows) contain specialized cells that aid hair growth. Le and his team observed that when SCF cells are transported to the base of the follicle, KROX20 activates in turn, which permits hair growth.

When SCF cells were removed from the genes of mice, the rodents grew gray hairs. When KROX20 were removed, the mice grew no hair at all.

In short, Le’s study shows:

– The molecules involved in hair loss: KROX20.
– The molecules involved in greying: SCF
– The manual transfer and integration of SCF and KROX20 stimulate hair growth with ‘natural’ pigmentation and tone.

The Implications

At the study’s conclusion, Dr. Le notes:

“With this knowledge, we hope in the future to create a topical (applied) compound or to safely deliver the necessary gene to hair follicles to correct these cosmetic problems.”

Let’s break down Le’s answer into two parts: (a) Potential treatment implications for hair loss/balding, and (b) Potential treatment implications for greying.

In one study of 984 people, researchers set out to answer the question “How effective is rogaine?” Of the 984 participants, 62% reported a reduction in hair loss. As far as hair regrowth, the drug was rated as “effective” in 48% of the cases, and “ineffective” in 16% of the cases. All told, the product works at about a 50/50 clip (Rogaine advertises this number as well.)

Dr. Le, it is assumed, seeks to improve on products such as Rogaine by implementing his findings from the study. A topical hair product is traditionally expensive (a 2-ounce supply of rogaine is $30), and – should the product prove effective – the person must continue to use it to see results.

Part (b) of Le’s response is a bit more intriguing; “…to safely deliver the necessary gene…” implies a type of hair gene therapy. As the name all but gives away, gene therapy is an expensive procedure.

Per the American Hair Loss Association, “(gene therapy) is a medical treatment still in its infancy.” As such, there exists few documented cases of the therapy working.

Of course, plenty of hair coloring products exist on the market, and there is no shortage of hair stylists. However, as anyone who has dealt with greying hair can attest, coloring and recoloring is not only expensive, but time-consuming.

When experts refine the gene therapy process for treating hair loss and greying, which is inevitable, they may just find a multitude of participants for their studies.

Sources:
http://www.americanhairloss.org/hair_loss_research/gene_therapy.asp
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-rogaine-work
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317372.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22716034
https://www.statisticbrain.com/hair-loss-statistics/

Stanford Scientist Reveals How to Feel Motivated (Even If You Feel Lazy)

March 4, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Addressing What Lazy Is (And What It Isn’t)

This part will be quick: We are all hardwired to be lazy. And we are all guilty to some degree.

Scientists believe that this “laziness” is actually a lingering trait from the days of yore when our distant ancestors needed to conserve every ounce of energy for the next hunt.

A study published in the journal Current Biology states that when we’re in motion, the body automatically adjusts to the most efficient (read: non-fat-burning) way possible. The body is inherently lazy.

“What about the brain,” you ask?

Read on.

The brain consumes 20 percent of our total energy – despite weighing just over three pounds. Neuroscientists estimate that the average brain generates up to 50,000 thoughts per day, at a speed of over 260 miles per hour. Like a car, the brain must conserve fuel – and it does so by shutting down, or being “lazy.”

Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize Winner and author of Thinking Fast and Slow, says:

“The evidence is persuasive: activities that impose high demands (on the thinking brain) require self-control, and the exertion of self-control is depleting and unpleasant.”

In other words, the brain and body are designed to be efficient as to conserve energy. Unfortunately, our default mode for saving energy may involve a soft recliner, Netflix, and some Baskin Robbins.

Do you know how many “logical” people there are in the world? Take a guess, but know that the answer may surprise you. Got it?

The answer is zero. Give or take zip.

Bad joke aside, human beings are somewhat illogical creatures. Our brain – the apparatus that controls just about every thought, feeling, and behavior – doesn’t “do” absolute logic. Adding to Mr. Dachis’ above points, if we were entirely logical, we’d be robotic; for the be 100 percent logical, we must be zero percent emotional.

In other words, emotions influence our decisions. Even the most disciplined people in history have made poor decisions under the influence of heavy emotions.

“If we were entirely logical, we’d be able to abandon our bad habits, curb temporary moments of insanity, and practice self-control. Our logic is paired with emotion, however, and sometimes our emotions motivate us to make poor decisions.” ~ Adam Dachis

The Importance of Mindset

As emotions influence our decisions, they indisputably affect our habits. Think of a bad habit that you have. Got it?

Now ask yourself: Why do you keep doing it? You know the habit is bad, after all. (There goes logic.)

Well, if you look at the same data that scientists look at, you’ll see that your mindset is overwhelmingly the most significant factor to your continued “deviance.”

Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist and author of the book Mindset, writes, “in decades of research on achievement and success – a simple idea makes all the difference.” The simple idea? Mindset.

The central findings of Dweck’s work can be explained in a few bullet points:

– Smarts and talent alone don’t bring success.

– Praising smarts and talent does not encourage accomplishment and self-esteem; it jeopardizes them.

– “Overachievers” value their dedication and hard work over their inherent abilities. (Kind of like Einstein saying “I’m not a genius,” or Edison boasting that he failed 99 times, but found the one time that worked.)

– Love of learning and resilience are crucial for high accomplishment.

– All of these things are teachable.

At the crux of it all: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

Stanford Scientist Explains How to Stay On Track (Even If You Feel Lazy)

Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets

Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their fundamental qualities, like their intelligence, talent, and resilience, are set in stone – or fixed traits. These folks believe that talent – or worse, luck – determines one’s success in life. (Luck certainly plays a part, but the reason for most people’s success? Get outta here.)

The vast majority of scientific literature (like Carol Dweck’s) burst these peoples’ bubble quick, fast, and in a hurry. Not only is the fixed mindset empirically disproven and categorically false, but it’s also typically a one-way ticket to failure.

Contrast the absurdity of the fixed mindset beliefs with those of a growth mindset. In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Smarts and talent may supply bricks and mortar; dedication and hard work build and maintain the foundation.

Unsurprisingly, according to Dr. Dweck, virtually every great person has had a growth mindset.

Adopting a Growth Mindset

When it comes right down to it, one’s ability to stay on course in achieving a particular goal – whether it’s losing weight, improving grades, saving money, eating healthier, exercising more, whatever – comes down to whether or not they have, or are working towards, a growth mindset.

Too many people think that the answer lies in motivation. It doesn’t – not one iota. Motivation is fickle and unreliable. Motivation will let you down because it isn’t always present. You won’t always feel like doing what you need to do. What you need is to adopt a different mindset.

Nobody reading these words has to be a victim of his or her circumstances, no matter how unmotivated they may feel. The brain can be trained like any other muscle: if we want to develop a growth mindset, we teach ourselves to think that way one step at a time.

Here is the A-B-C method for developing a growth mindset:

Acknowledge and embrace your weaknesses:

We must always begin in the spot we stand. Human frailty is inevitable; it’s whether or not you acknowledge and work towards converting them into a strength that counts.

Begin seeing challenges as opportunities:

The best piece of advice here is to know that self-control is hard yet rewarding. By continually exercising restraint, you strengthen your self-discipline. In every moment that you don’t give into temptation or weakness, your character is becoming stronger.

Change one habit at a time:

The unfortunate truth is that our energy, attention, and willpower are limited resources. (See Daniel Kahneman’s quote above.)

So, focus on taking concrete steps and change one habit before moving on to the next. And never, ever give up!

Resources:
http://time.com/4027942/lazy-walking-exercise/
https://bebrainfit.com/human-brain-facts/
https://www.developgoodhabits.com/fixed-mindset-vs-growth-mindset/
https://lifehacker.com/5802572/how-self-control-works-and-how-to-use-it
Kahneman, D. (2012). Thinking, Fast and Slow. United Kingdom: Penguin Random House Publishing.

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