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8 Signs Someone Is Trying to Compete With You

February 25, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Mounting an argument against the effectiveness of healthy competition is challenging. A competitive mindset fuels personal and collective advancement and achievement. It is especially healthy to compete when we seek to improve ourselves.

The problem is that so many of us compare ourselves to someone else. Naturally, if we don’t measure up to someone, we may (sometimes, subconsciously), initiate an unhealthy duel – otherwise known as a “competition.” Or, more accurately, unhealthy competition.

Corporate America is notorious for establishing a cut-throat, war-like environment of competition. Some primary and secondary schools also do this, albeit to a (hopefully) lesser extent.

The big question: does this sort of competition help people thrive?

Amy C. Edmondson, a writer for Harvard Business Review, says that organizations often ignorantly send the wrong message, hence nullifying any supposed “gains”:

“The explicit (and intended) message (of highly competitive environments) is that hard work is needed to be successful here. The implicit (and perhaps unintended) message is that your success occurs when others fail. In a competition, others must lose if you are to win…Self-preservation is a powerful force.”

In a team-based yet individualistically-competitive environment writes Edmondson. “…it’s natural to withhold information that might help others, or fail to help when help may be needed. Clearly, the message (discourages) teamwork. It’s hard to collaborate if you view (consciously or not) your colleague as the competition…”

In essence, what’s the use of individual competition if it thwarts teamwork – and team productivity?

When Competition Gets Personal

If you achieve a modicum of success in anything, you become a target for competition.

People express (or not) these oppositional attitudes in different ways. You may not know someone is competing with you. On the other hand, others (out of immaturity) go out of their way to let you know they’re coming for you. Should the former occur, no big deal and zero harm done. The latter scenario, however, can create a hostile environment – and things can quickly turn bad.

In such cases, knowing when a person is “gunning” for you is beneficial. With the knowledge, you can avoid, disengage, and/or report them (e.g., in a work environment.)

With that said, here are 8 signs someone is trying to compete with you:

“I’m not in competition with anybody but myself. My goal is to beat my last performance.” ~ Celine Dion

1. They’re boastful

A rival will often exaggerate their capabilities, achievements, and talents. Unsurprisingly, they are more likely to boast when you are earning recognition for your hard-won successes. These exaggerations occur for one reason: their own insecurities.

2. They modulate your success

There are few things worse in this world than a sore loser. People who disregard or downplay the successes of others are as toxic as they are annoying. People who envy you the most are the ones who most desire what you possess. With this in mind, it is in your best interest to just avoid such people.

3. They gossip

“Tom’s really not that great a salesman,” “Anne really isn’t that smart,” or similar sentiments (names and job titles interchangeable!) are expressed by those who are engaged in unhealthy competition with someone else. Engaging in gossip is an act of immaturity – and should be dealt with.

4. They always want to know how you’re doing

No, they don’t care about your success in this case. While they may approach you with a smile – perhaps even engage in a bit of playful banter – it’s a front to achieve one thing: to find out how they’re measuring up. Watch their expression quickly turn to sour grapes upon hearing anything they perceive as self-defeating (a.k.a., your successes.)

5. They celebrate your failures

A person jealously competing with you gets pleasure from your “failures.” The only thing worse than deviously celebrating your setbacks?

When that same someone talks about them behind your back – which they probably will, and then denies having done so – which they probably will.

6. They imitate you

Someone who competes with you on an unhealthy level strongly desires to be “equal to” or “better” than you. You may notice them walking, talking, and even (creepily) dressing like you. ‘

There’s one caveat, and it involves role models. We will naturally imitate those who we respect – and there’s nothing wrong with this. The difference? Well, we don’t gossip about or attempt to sabotage a role model.

7. They heap false praise

There are few things better than a well-timed compliment. There are few things worse than continuous, false praise. When someone is competing with you out of hostility, they will instead annoy you with disingenuous compliments instead of owning their displeasure. Classy, right?

8. They engage in sabotage

In a worst-case scenario, a person can become so jealous of your apparent successes that they scheme ways of discrediting your hard work and smearing your good name. Such behavior is inexcusable; the sooner you confront the situation for correction, the better.

Therapist Explains What Children Worry About, According to Their Age

February 24, 2018 by Power of Positivity

We, adults, aren’t the only ones who struggle with fear and worry – children do, too. Therapists say that child concerns tend to differ according to age groups or stages of development.

Why Do Kids Worry?

As any parent can attest, children vary in temperament. Some babies are more relaxed, while others are more anxious; some are criers, some are not, and so on.

Anxiety is only an issue if it interferes with a child’s cognitive, emotional, or social development. (It can be hard to detect this behavior, so if you notice subtle clues, seek the expertise of a psychologist or doctor.)

Come to think of it, why do children worry, anyway? It’s the most straightforward time of life. It’s all brain-related, folks.
(And think about it, did things seem all that simple when you were a kid?)

Short and sweet, children are anxious because of the pace at which their brain develops. During this time, the child is absorbing – and trying to interpret – a vast amount of external stimuli, i.e., the environment of people, places, and things.

To complicate matters, the ability to cope with anxiety and worry doesn’t develop until after adolescence. This is why a child – even a teenager – may throw a tantrum because they feel the frustration of not being understood.

In short, fear of the unknown is a natural part of growing up. It is hardwired into a primitive part of the brain called the amygdala. The brain also grows faster from age 0 to 6 than at any time in life, which is a double-whammy for anxiety.

What Do Kids Worry About?

A child doesn’t begin expressing thoughts and feelings until age three. Usually, it isn’t until around the age of eight that they can do so with some coherence. So, it’s natural to be curious about what’s worrying your kid!
(Just try not to over-worry, hard as that may be.)

Important note: If you suspect that your child’s anxiety may be interfering with their cognitive, emotional, or social development – a potential psychological disorder – please seek the advice of a child psychologist or therapist.

List of Worries (and the Why Behind Them!)

Infants and toddlers (0-2 years)

Being separated from their parents.

Here’s why: Until around eight to ten months, babies believe that what is temporarily gone vanishes. For example, when you leave the room, your golden child thinks you’re gone forever! Then, they wise up to the fact that you’re somewhere – and begin to feel the fear of separation. They love you, after all!

Loud noises

Here’s why: The baby brain is super sensitive to information (and sensory) overload. A loud noise (or ‘startling’ sensation) will send their delicate brain into high alert.

External ‘Locus of Control’

Here’s why: When your little one begins taking their first steps (a beautiful thing!), they start to feel independence! They feel an ever-increasing need for control over their environment. Anything that seems outside of their control (say, a honking car or burst of thunder) can seem frightening.

Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5 years)

Fear of the dark/being alone at night

Here’s why: Preschool-aged kids have difficulty separating fantasy from reality (do you see all these Batman and Superman costumes?) Anyways, if a child associates darkness with something scary, they’ll likely come crawling into your room at night.

People in costume (Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc.)

Here’s why: If there’s a common theme developing, it’s this: kids aren’t comfortable with the unfamiliar. A large man in a red costume, bushy white beard, and a weird-looking red hat isn’t going to impress them much. They’ll probably not like it … at all.

Fast Forwarding to 6-11 Years Old

Fear of strangers, the dark, being alone, and other things outside of their control pretty much dominate your child’s worries until age 6 or 7. Then, kids start fearing these things until around age 11 or 12:

Being home alone

Here’s why: While much older by comparison, young kids still question their ability to cope in an uncertain world without their Mom or Pop. The wonderfully vivid imagination may creep around the corner (*pun intended*).

Being rejected

Here’s why: Kids are coming to grips with the fact that it’s a big world out there – and they’re worried. Deeply entrenched in our subconscious is the knowledge that we’re, by nature, social animals. Rejection by one’s kind is rarely a welcome (or healthy) development.

Something bad happening to those they care about

Here’s why: Kids start to understand – at some level – that death is inevitable. As such, they may begin to ponder something serious happening to someone or something (a pet, for example) that they love.

Adolescents (Ages 12 and up)

Their image

Here’s why: Adolescence is when we ask, “Who am I, and what am I doing here?” At this age, kids begin to fully grasp the importance of social interactions as they transition from a family-based support system to a peer-based one.

Their grades or performance

Here’s why: Adolescents begin to comprehend the consequences of failure, which may breed fear. Achievement-oriented kids will especially be hard on themselves following a bad exam score or poor outing on the playing field.

Opening up to you

Here’s why: As mentioned, adolescents understand – at least to some degree – the importance of establishing independence. Combine this knowledge with the fact that adolescence can be downright unforgiving (thanks, hormones!), and you may have a child in conflict with themselves.

Of course, the best thing we can do as parents is to reassure them that we are always there for them calmly. No matter what.

Researchers Reveal Why Loneliness Is Dangerous To Your Health

February 24, 2018 by Power of Positivity

From victims of the Syrian conflict to the issue of depression facing her constituents, Jo Cox was a warrior. Mrs. Cox worked on a project to combat loneliness – one of the most significant sources of depression – until her death in June of 2016.

“Young or old, loneliness doesn’t discriminate.” ~ Jo Cox

Those who believe in Cox’s message – and there are many – have worked tirelessly to ensure that her death was not in vain.

As it so often happens after a senseless tragedy, people began to pay more attention to the message: Loneliness – and the mental illnesses that it so often produces – is unacceptable; and something that is easily solvable.

A non-profit organization was set up in Mrs. Cox’s name – and immediately garnered support from institutions such as the Red Cross and Alzheimer’s Society. Foundations focusing on the protection of children and care for the elderly also joined the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.

New Research on The Hazards of Loneliness

The conclusions reached by various research studies on the effects of loneliness and social isolation are both astounding and deeply troubling.

Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU) show that being lonely for long periods can up your risk of dying before your time up to 50%…

While the terms loneliness and social isolation are often associated with one another, there are differences between the two that are worth mentioning.

Social isolation is “defined as a lack of contact with other individuals; whereas loneliness is the perception that one is isolated from other people.

In short, a person can be in the presence of others and feel isolated.

According to a survey by the AARP, about 35 percent of U.S. adults older than 45 can be classified as lonely – or about 30 million people.

Research shows a direct relationship between loneliness and social isolation and poor health. Per multiple studies, including by the medical school at Harvard University, loneliness increases the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as eight-fold.

Nancy J. Donovan, the study’s co-author and professor at Harvard Medical School, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association: Psychiatry, that loneliness carries “an increased risk of depression, heart disease, and stroke.

Here are some other eye-opening findings on the devastating effects of loneliness and social isolation:

– The effects of loneliness and social isolation may kill more people than obesity.
– The effects of loneliness and social isolation is more damaging to health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

From Politics to Prison

While personality has much to do with one’s degree of need for social contact, nearly every authority on the human condition agrees on one thing: the vast majority of humans require some degree of human interaction.

Perhaps no research proves the above point more so than studies regarding solitary confinement – a method of punishment that isolates prisoners in separate cells. Regardless of how one feels about the practice – which is becoming increasingly common for non-violent offenders –studies are clear about the psychological harm that the punishment inflicts. Here’s how Scientific American describes it:

“(Research) has documented several cases of individuals with no prior history of mental illness who nonetheless developed paranoid psychosis requiring medical treatment after prolonged solitary confinement.”

No One Should Be Alone

As of December 2017 there are an estimated 7.6 billion people living on Planet Earth. Since the dawn of humankind, we’ve depended on each other for friendship, love, and support.

We are social animals. Social isolation and loneliness’s damage remains thoroughly researched, documented, and validated.

Each of us has a part to play in combating loneliness – starting with our children and senior citizens.

Here are some questions we can all ask ourselves:

Should I call or visit a lonely person? (Parents, grandparents?)
Do I try to help those “cut off” from society? (The homeless, the drug-addicted, orphaned?)

We leave you with this quote from novelist Herman Melville: “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes and come back to us as effects.”

Relationship Experts Explain 6 Words To Never Forget During An Argument

February 24, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Brene Brown’s TED talk presentation on “The power of vulnerability” is one of the top five most popular with just over 33 million views. Why has Brown’s TED Talk become so widespread? As it turns out, human beings – as deeply social creatures, are always searching for a way to improve their relationships. (Who knew, right? **Sarcasm**)

“So very quickly – really about six weeks into this research – I ran into this unnamed thing that absolutely unraveled (human) connection in a way that I didn’t understand or had never seen.”

At the very beginning of the presentation, Brown flashes a slide with the quote “If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist.”

Brown, being a social worker – a profession that, according to her, lives by the mantra “Lean into the discomfort of the work,” saw this research-based approach to analyzing and measuring the complexity of human interaction a fascinating draw. She wanted to know why a human connection is– at times – an arduous path.

Connection is why we’re all here. It’s what gives meaning and purpose to our lives. This is what it’s all about.” ~ Brene Brown

The One Variable

Brown spent six years “trying to deconstruct shame” and vulnerability. She explains the process – and her eventual discovery:

“My one year turned into six years: Thousands of stories, hundreds of long interviews, focus groups … people were sending me journal pages and sending me their stories – thousands of pieces of data in six years … I wrote a book, I published a theory, but something was not okay.”

This setback of her life’s work – of “something not okay” – led the way to her most important discovery.

“There was only one variable that separated the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging and the people who really struggle for it. And that was, the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging believe they’re worthy of love and belonging.”

This absence of “love and belonging” manifests into loneliness, social ineptitude, and conflict, with plenty of arguments along the way.

“The Courage to Be Imperfect”

Midway through her TED Talk, Brown made an additional discovery: people who have a strong sense of compassion, love, and empathy have “the courage to be imperfect.” Deep connections with other people will always prove much more challenging without the ability to make yourself somewhat comfortable with vulnerability.

This courage to be imperfect also applies to how we treat ourselves – and, of course, our most intimate relationships.

The Six Words

The ability to be vulnerable inevitably leads to conflict – both internally and with others. To avoid this “icky” feeling of vulnerability, we tell ourselves stories. We rationalize, we make excuses, and we catastrophize.

Here’s an all-too-common example:

We’re not feeling particularly good about how we look one morning. We take one look in the mirror and say to ourselves “Ew,” and ruminate about how “everyone” is going to think we’re ugly.

The story you just told yourself in this hypothetical scenario is B.S. The story that you just self-narrated is complete crap. And this crap not only affects you, but your relationships as well.

These negative affirmations will, whether we realize it or not, negatively impact nearly every interaction we have that day. As self-esteem suffers, our relationships suffer right along with it.

The problem: instead of saying “oh, what I’m thinking is B.S.” and just moving on, many of us continue to feel these feelings and think these thoughts.

The solution? Challenge the narrative. All it takes are six words:

“The story I’m making up is”….

Followed up by the reason for your anger in the first place. According to Dr. Brown, these six words can resolve almost any internal or external conflict. How? By accepting something that many of us shy away from: vulnerability.

Conflict-wise, it demonstrates your willingness to take responsibility for the part you played in the conflict. This action lowers the guard of the other person (and yourself) – a crucial component for easing the friction that accompanies disagreement.

Not only will these six words help resolve pretty much any conflict, but your self-esteem and outlook will also take a 180-degree turn.

According to Brown, it isn’t always easy to figure out what to say in the midst of a disagreement with yourself or others. This is where asking three fundamental questions may be able to help:

– What am I really feeling? What part did I play?

– What do I need to know about the others involved?

– What are the facts, and what are my assumptions?

Brown makes a poignant final point about an internal or external conflict in her book Rising Strong:

“…the good news is that we can rewrite these stories. We just have to be brave enough to reckon with our deepest emotions.”

May we all find the elusive, infinitely-powerful trait: courage. More specifically, the courage to be ourselves.

10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Control Freak

February 24, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When we get into a relationship, we don’t always know the person we’re dating quite as well as we think. People tend not to show their toxic behavior immediately, which can leave us dating strangers. Some people get into a relationship to only later find out that they are dating a complete control freak.

“Many of us visualize a controlling partner as one who openly berates everyone in their path, is physically aggressive, or constantly makes overt threats or ultimatums. Controlling people use a whole arsenal of tools in order to dominate their partners— whether they or their partners realize what’s happening or not,” says clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior, Ph.D.

Thankfully, there are early warning signs for you to keep an eye out for, just in case you feel that you have entered into a relationship with someone who is a control freak.

Here Are 10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Control Freak

“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious.” – Lundy Bancroft

1. They go through your phone

For most people, their phone is a pretty private place. However, when you’re in a relationship with a control freak, they may start snooping through your phone. Controlling partners feel that, “they have the right to know more than they actually do,” adds Bonior.

Even if you have nothing to hide, a control freak will want to know what you’re doing on your phone. They may look through your messages and apps. “It’s a violation of your privacy, hand-in-hand with the unsettling message that they have no interest in trusting you and instead want to take on a police-like presence within your relationship,” says Bonior.

2. They don’t like your friends

Control freaks want to maintain order and control in your relationship. Chances are, they don’t like the people you choose to hang out with.

“It could be that he refuses to accompany you on group outings with your friends, or that he demands to know where and with whom you are at all times. One of the tell-tale signs that he’s slowly cutting you off from your friends is his readiness to bad-mouth them,” say authors Julie Fishman and Meagan McCrary.

They don’t like your friends, and they don’t hesitate to let you know, even going so far as complaining when you hang out with them.

3. They don’t like when you make decisions

If your partner had ever gotten upset with you when you didn’t consult them before making a decision, you’re likely dating a control freak. They don’t like when you do things without them, and they tend to become upset when you exercise any free will on your own.

4. They’re always telling you what to do

A control freak will often offer advice even when you didn’t ask for it. Worse, they will most likely get upset with you if you don’t follow their advice.

“Often under the guise of wanting to help you — whether it’s to improve an area of your life or to keep you from embarrassing yourself — men who find a way of criticizing your behavior and choices are flexing their control muscle,” add authors Fishman and McCrary.

Because they need to control everything, they will want to control everything you do, too. If your partner is constantly telling you what to do, be aware: they are a control freak.

5. They accuse you of lying

Even if you’ve never lied to them before, if your partner is paranoid that you’re always lying to them, it’s possible they’re a control freak. They accuse you of lying about where you’ve been, who you’re hanging out with, and who you’ve been talking to. Nothing ever seems like the truth to them.

6. They have high expectations

Having expectations in a relationship is pretty normal, but a control freak’s expectations are going to be out of this world. You probably won’t be able to please them no matter how hard you try. They’re also always shifting the goalposts to keep you on your toes.

7. They’re jealous

If your partner tends to get extremely jealous when you hang out with friends or your family, then it’s a sign that they are a control freak. “A little jealousy in a relationship isn’t necessarily bad; as a matter of fact, it can be sexy. However, when a man is controlling, his jealousy triggers fits of rage,” adds author Sujeiry Gonzalez.

Jealousy is a normal part of life, but control freaks take it to the extreme. You may notice that your partner gets angry with you when you spend time with someone else rather than them.

8. They want your passwords

The control freak will always want access to your phone, to your computer, to your Facebook … anything that you could keep them out of. They may try to pass this off as proving that you are trustworthy, but it is really to ensure they have complete control over you and your online activities.

9. You are never good enough

To a control freak, you can always use improvement. They constantly try to change you and make you into something you’re not. A control freak will want to control your personality and change it into something that they can keep control over.

“This creates a dynamic where you will be more willing to work harder and harder to keep them and make them happy—a dream for someone who wants to dominate a relationship,” adds Bonior.

10. They need to know everything

What are you doing today? Where are you going? Who are you going to be with? When are you leaving? When will you be back? These are normal questions that the control freak will want to know every single time you leave. They need to know everything and become very upset if you don’t answer sufficiently.

“Whether they keep their snooping secret or openly demand that you must share everything with them, it is a violation of boundaries from the get-go,” says Bonior.

Here Are 3 Ways To Deal With A Control Freak

Being in a relationship with a control freak can be very unsettling. Often times, the relationship isn’t healthy at all. So, what should you do if your relationship shows all of these signs?

1. Assert your boundaries

You are your person who deserves to have privacy. If there’s no reason for them to distrust you, then you should ensure that your boundaries are fully asserted. You may need to constantly remind the controller about your boundaries several times before they get out of the habit of controlling you.

“Repetition is key. Don’t expect instant miracles. Since controllers rarely give up easily, be patient. Respectfully reiterating your stance over days or weeks will slowly recondition negative communication patterns and redefine the terms of the relationship,” says assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and author, Judith Orloff MD.

You don’t need to tell them every single thing that you’re doing. You don’t need to tolerate any behavior that seems to be controlling. Make your boundaries very clear, and if they can’t respect them, then it’s time to cut them off.

2. Have a support system

Tell your friends and family that the controlling behavior is happening. It’s important to have people outside of your relationship know that these things are happening so that they can support you. Make sure that there’s someone else who knows about your partner’s control freak behavior.

3. Leave

A control freak is not in a healthy place to have a relationship, and you deserve someone who trusts you and doesn’t try to control your every move.

“Look to your friends, family or co-workers for support during this time. The controller does not define you and will do their best to diminish your self-worth during this process. Letting go of any power they have over you will only enhance your life, and the empty space they leave can be filled with someone who matters,” concludes art licensing agent and illustrator, Kimberly Montgomery.

Asserting your boundaries and having a support system will make it easier for you to safely leave your partner when the controlling behavior starts.

Health Experts Reveal 8 Foods That Are Bad For Your Brain

February 24, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Health experts are always telling people to be careful about what they eat because it can affect the health of our bodies. We know this by now, no doubt! However, there are also foods that are harmful to the health of your brain.

“Your brain is the most important organ in your body. It keeps your heart beating, lungs breathing and all the systems in your body functioning. That’s why it’s essential to keep your brain working in optimum condition with a healthy diet,” says Elise Mandl, BSc, APD on Health Line.

Different foods have different effects on parts of our bodies. If you’re looking to ensure that your brain stays just as healthy as the rest of your body, avoid these specific foods – or, at least, eat them in moderation!

Here Are 8 Foods That Are Harmful To Your Brain

Avoid these foods to improve your brain health.

1. Highly processed foods

Processed foods aren’t easy to avoid these days, but it’s best to do so for both your body and your brain.

According to a recent study by a group of scientists, “Animal work over the last three decades has generated a convincing body of evidence that a Western diet – one high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates (HFS diet) – can damage various brain systems… there is a causal link running from HFS diet to impaired brain function in humans, and that HFS diets also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions.”

Foods that are highly processed are going to be full to the brim with sugar and salts. As we all know, eating too much of these foods isn’t good for you. Instant TV dinners, chips and sweets are the kind of processed foods that you’re going to want to avoid for the health of your brain.

2. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in small amounts and moderation isn’t going to be harmful to your brain. However, it’s all about excess. When you drink alcohol every day, or drink alcohol in excess, you’re bound to be doing damage your brain as well as your body. Chronic alcohol usage can really do a number on your neurotransmitters, as well as brain volume.

A group of scientists have concluded that, “chronic alcohol use is accompanied by volume reductions of gray and white matter, as well as microstructural disruption of various white matter tracts. These changes are partially reversible following abstinence.”

It’s okay to enjoy alcohol every once in a while, but know when enough is enough!

3. Mercury

When you eat fish, you always have a chance of that fish having something unsavory in its body, but usually it’s in small enough amounts that it isn’t a big deal. In fact, most doctors recommend eating a serving of fish once a week or more. However, predatory fish are more likely to be carrying mercury that can affect humans when they are eaten.

When ingested, mercury can affect the whole body, including the liver and brain. “The effects of mercury toxicity include disruption of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters and stimulation of neurotoxins, resulting in damage to the brain,” adds Mandl. Be careful about the fish your purchasing and from where, because mercury is no joke. Avoid shark and swordfish to keep mercury out of your body.

4. Soda and sugary drinks

When health experts suggest a diet change for your health, the first thing to go is usually drinks that are full of sugar, like soda. Too much sugar and soda can cause negative effects in your brain, including causing diabetes that can increase someone’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. High blood pressure from the sugar can also cause a risk of dementia later down the line. Kick the sugary drinks and soda and drink more water! Your body and your brain will thank you for it.

5. Sugar

Sugars are what are known as “refined carbs”, along with things like white flour. Sugar is something that your body often craves when you eat it enough, and it can really spike your blood pressure. However, it’s also incredibly damaging to your brain. When you eat too much sugar, it can cause memory problems in both kids and adults.

Expert in osteopathic medicine, Christopher Calapai, MD says that sugar, “causes the hippocampus, the brain’s memory control centre, to become inflamed, meaning it can’t work at 100%.” Now, eating sugar once in a while isn’t a bad thing! But, like most things, you want to make sure you’re having foods high in sugar only in moderation.

6. Artificial sweeteners

Most people choose to use or consume artificial sweeteners when they’re trying to avoid sugar. While it may seem like the right idea, artificial sweeteners aren’t much better for you than sugar itself. A particular artificial sweetener, called Aspartame, has been linked to cognitive problems when consumed in high amounts, or regularly.

A group of scientists have concluded that, “Sugar- and artificially-sweetened beverage intake have been linked to cardiometabolic risk factors, which increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease and dementia. Artificially sweetened soft drink consumption was associated with a higher risk of stroke and dementia.”

Sometimes, choosing sugar over artificial sweeteners is a good thing, but eating either/or in moderation will keep your brain safe.

7. Saturated fats

Foods like bacon and other things that are full of saturated fats are usually pretty delicious. But, you want to eat them in moderation because saturated fats can make it difficult for your brain to fight against Alzheimer’s disease. According to this study, “Intake levels of both saturated and trans fat were positively and significantly associated with Alzheimer’s risk.”

Not only that, but saturated fats can cause your brain to have problems when it comes to forming memories. Bacon is delicious, but make sure you’re not eating too much of it!

8. Fast food

It’s the end of the day, you’re tired, and you just want to run through the drive thru and get some dinner. We’ve all been there! There’s no shame in it. Unfortunately, fast food is a cocktail of unhealthy foods that you’ll want to limit the intake of, not just for your physical health, but for the health of your brain as well.

“Trans fats can get incorporated into the brain but they do not allow the signals to flow in the normal way. In layman’s terms, the brain gets thicker – and in practical terms it makes you thicker,” says nutritionist Patrick Holford.

Too much fast food can make our brains more vulnerable to depression. Try to eat fast food only once in a while to keep your brain healthy and happy.

Final thoughts

“Some foods have negative effects on the brain, impacting your memory and mood and increasing your risk of dementia.” – Elise Mandl

Food can be so good for our bodies! We need it to live, after all! There’s so many foods that we can’t get enough of. But, on the flip side, there is also food that our bodies can probably use less of. Enjoying those unhealthy foods isn’t the worst thing in the world, but only in moderation.

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When Competition Gets Personal

With that said, here are 8 signs someone is trying to compete with you:

1. They’re boastful

2. They modulate your success

3. They gossip

4. They always want to know how you’re doing

5. They celebrate your failures

6. They imitate you

7. They heap false praise

8. They engage in sabotage

Why Do Kids Worry?

What Do Kids Worry About?

List of Worries (and the Why Behind Them!)

Infants and toddlers (0-2 years)

Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5 years)

Fast Forwarding to 6-11 Years Old

Adolescents (Ages 12 and up)

New Research on The Hazards of Loneliness

From Politics to Prison

No One Should Be Alone

The One Variable

The Six Words

“The story I’m making up is”….

Here Are 10 Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Control Freak

1. They go through your phone

2. They don’t like your friends

3. They don’t like when you make decisions

4. They’re always telling you what to do

5. They accuse you of lying

6. They have high expectations

7. They’re jealous

8. They want your passwords

9. You are never good enough

10. They need to know everything

Here Are 3 Ways To Deal With A Control Freak

1. Assert your boundaries

2. Have a support system

3. Leave

Here Are 8 Foods That Are Harmful To Your Brain

1. Highly processed foods

2. Alcohol

3. Mercury

4. Soda and sugary drinks

5. Sugar

6. Artificial sweeteners

7. Saturated fats

8. Fast food

Final thoughts

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