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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.

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

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.

Science Explains 10 Things Proven to Make You Happy

March 4, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Scientific research suggests that all of us are born with a certain innate level of happiness. What this means is that others are born, well, “less happy” than others.

So give the grumpy guy or gal in your life a break! The good news is that there are scientifically validated ways to make you a happier person!

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” ~Abraham Lincoln

Let’s dig in!

Here are 10 things that can make you happy:

#1 Meditation is best for overall happiness.

Yes, meditation is numero uno for a reason!

Shawn Achor, the author of The Happiness Advantage, says:

“Studies show that in the minutes right after meditating, we experience feelings of calm and contentment, as well as heightened awareness and empathy. And, research even shows that regular meditation can permanently rewire the brain to raise levels of happiness.”

In a study undertaken by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, scientists compared the before and after brain scans of individuals who participated in an eight-week course on mindfulness meditation. After completing the course, the 16-person group showed considerable growth in the brain regions linked to self-awareness and compassion.

#2 Shorten your commute.

If able, you should consider moving closer to your workplace. Or maybe finding a new place to work. Really.

Also, you can forget about that better-paying job “compensating” for that long trek to work. Scientists say it doesn’t.

In a study conducted by Swiss economists, commuting’s cumulative negative effect outweighs the benefits, such as “having a bigger house or a better job.”

Perhaps Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert said it best: “Driving in traffic is a different kind of hell every day.”

#3 Help others – just read this.

In our consumer-driven culture, everything revolves around “me, me, me.” That’s why it may seem counterintuitive that the most successful, happiest people are often the most generous.

Adam Grant, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, recommends one of his favorite techniques, the “Five-Minute Favor”:

“What if I just took a couple minutes every day to try to help someone in a way that it’s a small commitment to me, but could be of large benefit to them?”

#4 Forget the latest gizmo. Buy yourself some time.

In a joint study by researchers from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia, scientists discovered that using funds to purchase time leads to more happiness than purchasing ‘stuff.’

The dual team surveyed more than 6,000 people from Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. The survey comprised two simple questions: How much money do you spend each month to increase your free time? How many times per month?

People who spent more than the average more frequently reported the highest life satisfaction.

Also, the amount of income the participants earned did not influence the results.

#5 Get enough sleep. You’ll be less grumpy.

Okay, so you probably knew this one already!

But check this study out:

“In one experiment…sleep-deprived college students tried to memorize a list of words. They could remember 81% of the words with a negative connotation, like “cancer.” But they could remember only 31% of the words with positive or neutral connotations, like “sunshine” or “basket.”

Some scientists posit that sleep deprivation targets the hippocampus, which is responsible for processing positive or neutral memories, is responsible for such effects.

#6 Take 30 seconds.

Do you see someone struggling with something that you can help with? Maybe it’s who looks as if they may need a hand with something.

Science shows that taking as little as 30 seconds to help someone will instantly flood your brain with feel-good chemicals – and set you up for a great rest of the day!

#7 Practice the power of gratitude.

Brene Brown, Ph.D., says, “In 12 years of research, I have never interviewed a single person with the capacity to really experience joy who does not actively practice gratitude.”

Those who engage in a regular gratitude practice (mine is closing my eyes and picturing the smiling faces of three loved ones) report:

– feeling happier and less depressed
– having better sleep quality
– being more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercise

#8 Embrace adversity – and learn its valuable lessons.

People who’ve experienced adversity in their life are happier overall than those who haven’t. According to research, the perspective gained following periods of trial benefits us by:

– shaping and reinforcing our identity
– coping better with current and future stressors
– increasing our resilience
– making us more optimistic about the future.

So, the next time you meet an obstacle – blast through that sucker!

#9 Understand what constitutes happiness

According to science, happiness is a combination of two things: how satisfied you are with your life and how good you feel on a day-to-day basis.

Contrary to popular belief, we adapt to our circumstances over time, so they don’t play much of a role in our overall happiness levels. (The only exception, apparently, is commuting!)

Also, about 50% of happiness is genetically determined, actions, behaviors, and thoughts control 40%, and your circumstances determine just 10%!

This is some empowering knowledge – and might be a good reason to pause and reflect on our life.

#10 Happiness can be hardwired – so do it!

Forget the percentages for now. If you’re willing to devote some time and put forth the effort in implementing some of these recommendations, you can will your way to being a happier person.

Happiness isn’t feeling “smiley” all of the time; it isn’t having all the money in the world or refusing to see the troubles that are out there. Happiness is contentment. Happiness is satisfaction.

Also, happiness is your birthright–you deserve it. Claim the happy life that is yours for the taking!

Scientists Explain What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Green Tea Every Day

March 4, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When we think of tea, most of us may picture a refreshing drink to cool us off in the summer. However, we aren’t talking about sweet tea here. We’re talking about the herbal variety in the form of green tea.

Green tea has a high concentration of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. This is the basis of why green tea is so beneficial to human health, because our cells face a lot of damage due to environmental, genetic, and dietary factors, to name a few. Free radicals, or cell-damaging molecules, can result in many health problems, but green tea can help to fight off the free radicals that cause them.

The benefits of green tea have been studied extensively, and we will go over some of the research from these studies below. Once you read about the wide range of benefits green tea can provide, you may want to start brewing some right away!

Tea has been cultivated for centuries, beginning in India and China. Today, tea is the most widely-consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Hundreds of millions of people drink tea, and studies suggest that green tea (Camellia Sinensis) in particular, has many health benefits. – Mount Sinai Medical Center

Green Tea Has a Delightful Flavor

This tea has a light, fresh, and pleasant taste. It is less bitter than black tea and often has a mild, grassy, or sweet flavor. The aroma is subtle and delicate, some describe it as floral, herbaceous, or grassy. The taste and aroma of green tea can vary depending on the type and quality of the leaves and the brewing method used.

Here are five popular green teas that millions around the world enjoy sipping:

Japanese Sencha: Sencha is a classic type of drink that originated in Japan. It is made from the first flush of tea leaves steamed and then rolled into thin needles. Sencha has a mild, grassy flavor, a slight astringency, and a sweet aftertaste.
Chinese Dragonwell: Dragonwell is a prized green tea from Hangzhou, China. It is made from pan-fried tea leaves, which gives it a distinctive nutty, buttery flavor and a rich, toasty aroma.
Indian Darjeeling: Darjeeling green tea is grown in the Darjeeling district of India. It has a light, floral flavor and a bright, crisp aroma. Darjeeling green tea is known for its delicate taste and smooth finish.
Vietnamese Longjing: Longjing, also known as Dragonwell, is a green tea grown in the Hangzhou region of China. It is famous for its delicate, nutty flavor and fragrant, floral aroma. Longjing is considered one of the best teas in the world.
Korean Sejak: Sejak is a green tea grown in South Korea. It is made from the first flush of tea leaves and has a light, grassy flavor, and a fresh, floral aroma. Sejak is known for its clean, bright taste and its high levels of antioxidants.

Nine Healthful Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Here’s what happens when you drink this delicious concoction daily:

1. Lowers blood sugar

Worldwide, about 400 million people have Type 2 diabetes. That number is likely rising due to stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. However, this drink can help counteract poor lifestyle choices and lower blood sugar.

A Japanese study found that participants who drank the this type of tea had a 42% lower chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, a review of 7 studies with a total of 286,701 participants revealed that green tea drinkers had an 18% lower risk of developing diabetes.

2. Improves digestive health

Because these leaves are a potent anti-inflammatory, it helps to reduce symptoms of digestive issues related to inflammation, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.

3. Can help prevent cancer

Cancer, in large part, is due to oxidative damage of cells, and green tea’s high concentration of antioxidants can help fight cancer. Here are some astounding statistics for you:

Breast cancer: An analysis of many studies found that women who drank this beverage had a 20-30% lower risk of developing breast cancer, the most common cancer among women.
Prostate cancer: One study found that men who drank it had a 48% lower risk of developing prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men.
Colorectal cancer: An analysis of 29 studies revealed that green tea drinkers were 42% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

This healthy drink might help other cancers such as lung, bladder, esophagus, skin, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.

4. Lowers cholesterol

The antioxidants in green tea may prevent cholesterol absorption in the intestines and protect LDL particles from oxidation, contributing to heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, tea considerably raises good cholesterol (HDL) in humans.

5. Lowers risk of heart disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Studies indicate that green tea’s abundant antioxidants may slow down or even prevent atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries. Studies show that green tea drinkers have up to a 31% lower chance of developing cardiovascular disease and a ten percent lower chance of having a heart attack.

6. Improves liver health

The liver also benefits from the consumption of green tea. Green tea drinkers can reverse the effects of alcohol on the liver and protect against liver tumors. Scientists attribute this to plant chemicals called catechins, which are plentiful in this tea.

7. Helps with weight loss

Some studies indicate that green tea boosts metabolism and helps burn fat. Studies showed that green tea and caffeine sped up weight loss in moderately obese and overweight demographics. Green tea contains a phytonutrient called EGCG which helps to increase a hormone that promotes feelings of fullness.

8. Increases cognitive function

According to a study at the University of Basel in Switzerland, drinking green tea “enhances memory performance, a finding that researchers suggest may have important implications for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including cognitive impairment.” Studies are ongoing regarding possible treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s using green tea.

9. Other benefits of green tea

Other studies suggest that this healthy drink can help with the following:

Prevention of dental cavities
Treatment of arthritis
treatment of genital warts
Treating various skin conditions
Prevention of cold and flu symptoms

NOTE: Before trying herbal or natural supplementation, inlcuding teas, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

How to Steep and Serve Green Tea

Traditional brewing methods vary depending on the type of tea and the culture consuming it. Here is a general guide for brewing while also paying honor to ancient Eastern cultural traditions:

Water temperature: The water temperature for brewing green tea should be between 160-180°F. Using boiling water can result in a bitter taste, so it’s best to allow the water to cool slightly before brewing.
Amount of tea: For a traditional cup of tea, use about one teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water. Adjust the number of tea leaves based on your taste preference.
Steeping time: Steep the leaves for two to three minutes. Overly steeping the leaves can produce a bitter taste, so remove the tea leaves as soon as the desired flavor is achieved.
Serving: Traditional tea is served plain, without added sweeteners or flavorings. It is often consumed in small cups and is typically served in a tea ceremony in many cultures, such as the Japanese tea ceremony.
Utensils: Brew and serve this hot beverage using a teapot and tea cups. The teapot should have a heat-resistant material, such as glass or ceramic, and the tea cups small, allowing the beverage to be enjoyed in several sips.

By following these traditional brewing and serving methods, you can experience this delicious beverage’s full flavor and aroma, just as ancient cultures–and millions today–enjoy it.

Final Thoughts on How Green Tea Supports a Healthier Life

Ancient healers from Eastern cultures have long understood the potent benefits of this delicious, healthful drink. So now the West has finally caught on. Honor those who healed for centuries by following time-honored rituals while reaping numerous healthful benefits.

We wish you all good health and happy green tea drinking!

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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/

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Green Tea Has a Delightful Flavor

Nine Healthful Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

1. Lowers blood sugar

2. Improves digestive health

3. Can help prevent cancer

4. Lowers cholesterol

5. Lowers risk of heart disease

6. Improves liver health

7. Helps with weight loss

8. Increases cognitive function

9. Other benefits of green tea

How to Steep and Serve Green Tea

Final Thoughts on How Green Tea Supports a Healthier Life

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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/

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