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Do You Get Enough Sun? Researchers Explain How It Affects Your Health

January 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

If nobody has told you, let us be the first: the sun is not dangerous.

Our planet has been around for nearly 4.6 billion years. Human beings evolved alongside the bright star. In fact, the wondrous Sun is what allows and advances life on Earth.

“Dr. Robert Stern, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, calls them “solar-phobes”: people so concerned about getting so cancer that they stay inside or cover every bit of skin.” – Harvard Health Publications: “Benefits of moderate sun exposure”

But do you know what is dangerous? Human ignorance about two key things:

First, not understanding the sun’s effects on us as individuals. Without this information, we can’t know what level of exposure is safe or unsafe.

Second, not taking preventative measures to counteract underexposure or overexposure. Underexposure, or lack of sunshine, is just as dangerous as overexposure.

The Sun is Healthy – in Moderation

Gee, how many times have we been told something is good for us “in moderation?” Alcohol, dark chocolate, dairy, sleeping, exercising…all best done “in moderation.”

Provided that there’s an accurate measure that defines moderation for an activity (e.g. one-two drinks, 7-9 hours), it can be excellent advice! We can then implement this advice to improve and maintain our health – or abstain from things that may be harmful.

This same moderation concept applies to the sun.

Health Benefits of Sunshine

(Note: As with anything health-related, it’s important to be aware of any existing medical condition(s). If you’re unsure, please speak with your doctor. This article’s contents are not intended to replace professional medical advice.)

Here are 5 health of the biggest (most appropriately) benefits of sunlight:

1. The Sun Packs Vitamin D

In some medical circles, vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” and sun exposure can help produce this crucial nutrient. Vitamin D is also available in certain foods and supplements.

Vitamin D serves many important functions within the body, which include:

– Maintaining normal calcium and phosphate levels

– Promoting bone and cell growth

– Promoting calcium absorption

– Reducing inflammation

2. It Lowers Blood Pressure

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Richard Weller and his colleagues at the University of Edinburg, researchers found a chemical important for reducing blood pressure in sunlight. Nitric oxide is released into the blood vessels when sunlight touches the skin. This decreases BP.

According to Dr. Weller, the benefits of sun exposure – including a healthier and longer life – “far outweigh the risk of getting skin cancer.”

3. It Improves Brain Function

In a study undertaken by neuroscientists at the University of Cambridge, Dr. David Llewellyn and his colleagues measured the Vitamin D levels of 1,700 adults aged 65 and over. After analyzing the results, the research team noticed higher rates of cognitive deficiencies in people low in Vitamin D.

Additional studies claim that sunlight also hastens the growth of brain cells within the hippocampus; the brain region responsible for forming, organizing, and storing memories.

4. Alleviates mild depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, “is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons – SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year.” SAD is informally known as the “winter blues” disorder.

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals have linked the low availability of sunlight during certain periods of the year (most notably, fall and winter) to the disorder.

Ever wondered why sunny days perk you up while gray skies don’t? Because the brain produces more of the neurotransmitter serotonin (“the happy chemical”) on sunny days than on overcast days.

5. It heals certain skin disorders

Skin cancer is perhaps the one biggest knock against the big bright star. Skin cancer caused by Melanoma is “the most dangerous form of skin cancer, (when) these cancerous growths develop (and trigger) mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.”

Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, “If melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.”

Let’s put what we just read in context. (1) Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. (2) If we pay attention and seek treatment, it’s curable just about every time.

In spite of oft-cited hyperbole about skin cancer, the sun helps heal skin disorders at a far greater rate than it causes them. Just a few of the conditions the sun helps include acne, eczema, jaundice, and psoriasis.

Protecting Yourself

Per the United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are three key elements of skin protection: genetic and lifestyle traits, monthly examinations, and blocking UV rays.

Genetic and lifestyle characteristics:

a) Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?
b) Do you get sunburnt easily?
c) Do you have any of the following?

– Large, numerous, or irregularly-shaped moles

– Blond, red, or light brown hair

– Freckles

– Fair skin (‘pale’)

If you meet any of the above criteria, consult with your doctor about how much time you should spend in the sun.

Monthly examinations:

– As skin cancers detected early can easily be cured, it is essential that you examine your skin monthly.

– The “most important sign,” per OSHA, “is a spot on the skin that is changing in size shape, or color during a period of 1 month to 1 or 2 years.”

Skin cancers often appear in one of four ways:

– Pale, waxy, and shiny lumps

– Red, scaly, and sharply-outlined patches

– Sores that do not heal

– Small, mole-like growths (melanoma)

Blocking UV Rays

– Limit your exposure: “UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

– Cover up: “Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light.”

– Use sunscreen: “A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of U.V. rays … Be sure to follow application instructions on the bottle.”

– Wear a hat: “A wide brim hat is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.”

– Wear UV-absorbent shades: “Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.”

Experts Explain 5 Habits You Need To Be Successful In 2018

January 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The Ole’ New Years Resolution, 2018.

It doesn’t matter your occupation, obstacles, or goals. If you want to be a better, happier, and more successful person in the New Year, it is essential to (a) prioritize and (b) put in the effort.

The New Years Resolution is a well-known tradition in the United States. It’s also a tradition that over 90 percent of people fail. This isn’t because people aren’t well-intentioned, it’s because they’re human! Ok, there’s more to this – and we’ll discuss things in a bit more detail later.

It’s painless to spout off a tear-jerking resolution when you’ve put away six vodka martinis and a pound of guacamole dip. It’s hard when you (grudgingly) wake up the next morning and realize it’s time to get to work!

To start off, we’ve got some good news, and we’ve got some bad news. Nobody ever wants the good news to be spoiled by the bad, so we’re going to pour in the salt early. (Please don’t shoot the messenger.)

In a 1,129 person survey, just over 9 percent of respondents succeeded in fulfilling their previous year’s resolution. Furthermore, over 42 percent of interviewees report “never succeeding/failing on their resolution each year.”

Here’s the (VERY) good news: “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”

If there’s one bugaboo common among those making resolutions, it’s lack of staying power. Consider this: nearly 45 percent keep their resolutions for up to six months! Why go halfway and throw in the towel?

Were their plans “explicit”? Did they have a support system? Did they accommodate for a life-changing event (a promotion, moving, etc.)? All of these things must be taken into account.

First and foremost, the plan must be specific. It bears repeating this statistic:

“People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”

Write this down on a Post-It. Fold that piece of paper and stick it in your wallet. Memorize it. Then re-write it on 20 Post-Its. Stick ‘em anywhere and everywhere – at work, at home, at your desk, on the refrigerator, wherever.

Say it loud and proud when you feel like giving up.

We’re going to list five positive habits that will improve the odds. BUT, it’s up to you to come up with the “explicit” plan that will help you reach your goals.

Let’s do this thing!

Here are 5 positive habits you need to be successful in 2018:

Habit #1: Be Humble in 2018

Regardless of any successes you achieve, maintain an attitude of humility. Take the creed of the U.S. Navy SEALs, possibly the greatest special forces unit in the world, as a reminder of when feeling boastful about anything:

“My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.”

Don’t advertise or seek recognition for anything. Let the results speak for themselves.

Habit #2: Bear Down

Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., psychologist and best-selling author of Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance, says that grit is the most important characteristic in achieving any goal.

Dr. Duckworth adds “Accomplishing anything worthwhile is almost by definition to attempt what is difficult. Otherwise, someone would have done it by now!”

Consider any bumps and bruises sustained when marching towards your goal as a badge of honor.

Habit #3: “Diligent Practice”

In his book Talent is Overrated, author Geoff Colvin delves into the minds of people who’ve accomplished great things in their chosen field of endeavor. Among the individuals studied include Ben Franklin, Tiger Woods, Warren Buffet, and Chris Rock.

In the Book, Colvin asks an important question:

“Do you believe that you have a choice in the matter? Do you believe that if you do the work, properly designed, with intense focus for hours a day and years on end, your performance will grow dramatically better and eventually reach the highest levels? If you believe that, then there’s at least a chance you will do the work and achieve great performance.”

“Diligent Practice” > IQ score

Habit #4: Eliminate distractions in 2018

There’s no way to put this lightly, so we’re not going to try.

Distractions are achievement killers.

It requires a day-by-day, hour-by-hour approach to achieve anything noteworthy. New Year’s resolutions tend to fall into the “noteworthy” category.

You must eliminate distractions wherever and whenever necessary. If you’re trying shed weight, stick with your eating plans and ride out that unscheduled fast food impulse. If you’re trying to finish your degree, that T.V. needs to remain off on the weekends.

You needn’t deprive yourself, but habitual distractions will cause failure.

#5 Be mindful in 2018

Did you know that human beings are born with a negativity bias?

Our brain is more affected by things of a negative nature (bad news, unpleasant thoughts, unhealthy emotions, etc.) than we are by things that are neutral or positive.

So when we let ourselves down, the feeling of failure is ready and willing to make an unwelcome appearance. Here’s where it helps to understand the brain and go easy on yourself.

Dr. Rick Hanson, author of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, says “To keep our ancestors alive, Mother Nature evolved a brain that routinely tricked them into making three mistakes: overestimating threats, underestimating opportunities, and underestimating resources.”

Dr. Hanson’s advice? Mindfulness.

“The mindfulness of both the inner workings of your brain and the outer mechanisms of fear-promotion can by itself make you less prone to needless fear.”

Researchers Reveal 5 Early Warning Signs That Heart Patients Have In Common

January 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

19 percent: The percentage of people who contact emergency medical assistance (‘911’ in the U.S.) after experiencing potentially life-threatening heart symptoms.

19 percent. So, roughly four out of five cardiac arrest patients never call for an ambulance. That’s not good.

Dr. Sumeet Chugh, associate director of the Heart Institute and director of the Heart Rhythm Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, explains why:

“Most people who have a sudden cardiac arrest will not make it out alive. This is the ultimate heart disease, where you die within 10 minutes. And less than 10 percent actually survive.”

Heart attack? Cardiac Arrest?

“Roughly half of cardiac arrest patients experience telltale warning signs that their heart is in danger of stopping the month preceding their attack, new study findings suggest.” ~ Alan Mozes, Health.com

Here’s something for all of us to keep in mind: despite the majority’s tendency to label a cardiac arrest as a heart attack, the two conditions are different.

A heart attack occurs when there is an arterial blockage, which restricts blood flow to the heart. A cardiac arrest is when the heart’s electrical system goes haywire.

(Good to know!) Half of all annual heart-related deaths in the United States (approx. 350,000) are attributable to cardiac arrest.

It’s not their fault.

It goes without saying that nobody in their right mind would willfully ignore the symptoms of cardiac arrest. So why do 80-plus percent of cardiac patients not call 911? Why do 50-plus percent who experience telltale symptoms of cardiac arrest do nothing?

Because for years we’ve been told that a heart attack is an unexpected – and in many cases, asymptomatic – health problem. Further, it’s easy to attribute acute signs, e.g., shallow breathing, to anxiety or some other condition.

In other words, it’s not their fault.

Dr. Chugh explains:

“For years we have thought that (cardiac arrest) is a very sudden process, But with this study, we unexpectedly found that at least half of the patients had at least some warning signs in the weeks before.”

Chugh goes on to say that this study may “open up a whole new paradigm” in how people react to possible cardiac symptoms. “And this is important because those who react by calling their loved ones or calling 911 have a fivefold higher chance of living.”

About the Study

Here’s are the main findings of the study:

Demographic data: 840 cardiac arrest patients, aged 35 to 65.
Percentage who experienced warning symptoms: 50% of men and 53% of women.
The ratio of patients who experienced symptoms within 24 hours of heart failure: 9 out of 10.
The most commonly-cited symptom among men: chest pain.
Most commonly-cited symptom among women: shortness of breath.

5 Early Warning Signs Of Heart Problems To Watch For

Per the study, published by the American College of Physicians, and per information derived from the American Heart Association (AHA) website, here are five possible indicators and symptoms of cardiac arrest:

1. Shortness of Breath

In the study, shortness of breath was the most commonly experienced symptom among female cardiac patients. Per the Mayo Clinic, shortness of breath is a feeling of “intense tightening in the chest, air hunger or a feeling of suffocation.”

Besides heart abnormalities; strenuous exercise, high temperatures, massive obesity, and high altitude can cause shortness of breath in an otherwise healthy individual.

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain was the most frequently reported symptom of cardiac arrest among male patients.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, certain types of chest pain warrant an immediate visit to the emergency room. Here’s what doctors from the Clinic advise:

“If you experience pain, pressure or discomfort in the center of your chest or in your arms, back, jaw, neck or stomach – along with shortness of breath (for) a least five minutes, call 9-1-1.”

3. Flu-like Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms, including abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, and vomiting may arise. When these symptoms concurrently surface with chest pain, shortness of breath, or health palpitations, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services.

Having flu-like symptoms for longer than two weeks is another cause for concern.

4. Loss of consciousness

If either you or someone you know suddenly collapses from an unconscious state, the first thing to do is call an ambulance.

Per Healthline: “people who become unconscious don’t respond to loud sounds or shaking. They may even stop breathing, or their pulse may become faint.”

People suffering from a potential heart problem will often become temporarily unconscious, also known as fainting.

5. Other signs

Dr. John Day, president of the Heart Rhythm Society and director or Heart Rhythm Services at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray, Utah cites other possible complications that may increase the risk of cardiac arrest:

“(the abovementioned) signs should not be ignored, particularly if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of heart problems or high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes or a known heart condition.”

Heart Health Tips

Check out the following tips for better heart health:

– Get at least seven hours of sleep.

– Control blood pressure by limiting alcohol and sodium intake.

– Eat a diet rich in fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.

– Reduce or eliminate saturated fats (make sure to read the labels, too!).

– Get tested for diabetes.

– Exercise for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.

– Don’t smoke or vape.

– Make sure to manage stress in a healthy way (consider exercising, meditation, or yoga.)

And, finally …

– Remember to laugh and have fun! Don’t take life too seriously!

6 Health Warning Signs From Your Feet to Never Ignore

January 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Our bodies will always tell us when something is wrong. Whether or not we know how to listen is another matter entirely! Sometimes, we can pinpoint when something is seriously wrong because of changes in our body, but other things are more subtle or easy to brush off. Our feet, for example, are a great indicator of health. They can tell us all kinds of things that could be wrong, but we need to know how to listen to them.

“In fact, one of the first things that a health care practitioner will look at on an elderly patient is the condition of their feet because it can tell them so much. Your feet do far more than carry you from place to place. They give you a quick way of checking your overall health. They can tell you if you need more nutrients and if a serious medical condition is lurking in your body,” says healthy lifestyle expert Danette May.

Here Are Some Warning Signs From Your Feet That You Should Never Ignore

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” – Joyce Meyer

1. Hairless feet or toes

Most people would kill to have hairless feet because of all the maintenance needed to remove the hair from your feet. But in actuality, having hairless feet can be a sign of blood circulation problems. If you’ve got heart issues or circulation problems, your body will have to prioritize, and getting enough blood to your feet to grow the hair there isn’t as important as your vital organs. That might also make it challenging for doctors to locate a pulse in the feet.

Orthopedic surgeon Lance Silverman, MD, states, “One cause of insufficient blood supply to the feet and toes is peripheral arterial disease, or PAD for short. When plaque builds up in the arteries of your legs, blood flow can be restricted and PAD can set in. If left untreated, PAD could lead to a heart attack or stroke, or even put you at risk for amputation.”

While it may be nice to not have any hair on your feet, you’ll definitely want to keep in mind that it could be a sign of some other issue.

2. Sunken toenails

A lot of people don’t pay enough attention to their toenails. Feet come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Still, a sunken in toenail, with a spoon-like shape, is a sign of anemia, “hemochromatosis (overproduction of iron), Raynaud’s disease (which affects blood supply to the fingers and toes), and sometimes lupus (an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks cells, tissues, and organs),” according to Reader’s Digest.

When your body doesn’t have enough iron, you may feel exhausted, weak, short of breath, and other symptoms. Sunken in toenails is a quick way to see if you may have any of the above-mentioned causes. Remember, anemia can be dangerous all on its own, so listen to your feet and get yourself checked out by your doctor.

3. Coldness

Do you have chronically cold feet? Are you always the first to break out the fluffy socks, even in the summer? Your feet may be trying to tell you something, namely that your thyroid may not be working correctly. It may also be a sign of poor circulation because you blood isn’t getting to your extremities. You may notice that your hands and fingers are much colder than others. It might be worth checking out if you’ve got constantly cold feet.

4. Yellow toenails

Your toenails should look a lot like your fingernails. If there’s any discoloration, it’s probably a sign that something else is going on. The most commonly discolored toenail is yellow, and a fungal infection usually causes that. You can get this from just about anywhere, from your shoes to the local swimming pool. Thankfully, a fungal infection is quick and easy to deal with. You can get over-the-counter methods of dealing with a fungal infection, or use home remedies so you always have something on hand.

Apart from a fungal infection, thickened or yellowed nails might also indicate the presence of an underlying disease. Some diseases can include lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Numbness

It’s never good when a part of your body goes numb, so hopefully, when you feel your feet going numb for no reason, you’re already on your way to the doctor to check it out. Numbness in the feet can be caused by nerve damage, or neuropathy. People with diabetes are at risk of having this numbness of the feet, so keep an eye out and get checked if this happens.

6. Flaky feet

Flaky skin isn’t a good thing, no matter where it is in your body. But for feet, specifically, flaky skin can be a sign of athlete’s foot, especially if the flakiness is coming from between the toes or it can signify problems with your thyroid.

“If the skin around your heel or on the ball of your foot is dry, cracked, or flaky, it may be a warning sign of a thyroid condition. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that control your metabolic rate, blood pressure, tissue growth, and nervous system functions,” adds Dr. Silverman.

Athlete’s foot is a very common, but also contagious, fungal infection. Thankfully, it’s also one that’s pretty treatable, so make sure you look into over-the-counter methods for getting rid of athlete’s foot.

Final thoughts

Our bodies always try to talk to us and tell us what’s wrong. Our feet are no different, but many people neglect them for one reason or another. But checking your feet for signs of abnormalities can be your warning sign to some different kinds of issues that your body can have. Whether it’s something as easy to get rid of as a fungal infection or something more serious like a heart problem, our feet are a great way to make sure our bodies are working right.

11 Quotes to Remember When You Feel Like Giving Up On Your Relationship

January 5, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The Power of Words

Have you ever stopped to think about how well phrases have stood the test of time?

Have you ever used one or more of the phrases, “As my _____ used to say,” “In the words of ______,” or “_____ once said” before following up with a quote? How about having one or more quotes that you remember and recite? (Please share!)

Words of the greatest Presidents, athletes, scientists, artists, and philosophers are forever engraved. Why is this? Because all of us need a source of inspiration. We look to the great minds of history with the hope of shaping the present and future.

This segues into today’s topic: quotes that inspire strength during relationships.

Here are 11 such quotes:

1. “There is no challenge strong enough to destroy your marriage as long as you are both willing to stop fighting against each other, and start fighting for each other.” – Dave Willis

Mr. Willis makes an excellent point. When we’re heated with our partner, our natural tendency is to put up a defense mechanism. We become irritable, unable to think clearly, and devoid of energy.

What if we focused instead on channeling our energies, redirecting them, and forming amicable solutions?

2. “Apologizing does not mean that you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just means that you value your relationship more than your ego.” – Unknown

Apologizing when there’s a good chance you’re right about something takes guts. When you love someone, the need to be right all the time should take a backseat. A healthy relationship is all about compromise, even if you have to take a small hit to your ego every once in a while.

3. “Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home … it’s your responsibility to love it, or change it.” – Chuck Palahniuk

Notice that Mr. Palahniuk uses the words find joy in everything that you choose. You (and your partner) have a responsibility to iron out the wrinkles in the relationship. Despite your best efforts, if you’re unable to either engage your partner or find joy, time to change things up.

4. “I am not telling you it is going to be easy – I am telling you it is going to be worth it.” – Art Williams

Imperfections prevent us from having a “perfect” relationship. Intimacy does not come easy – it can involve some hard work. What matters is that you keep your eye on the ball – the ball being a happily-imperfect relationship.

5. “You can’t just give up on someone because the situation is not ideal. Great relationships are not great because they have no problems. They are great because both people care enough about the other person to work on solving them.” – Unknown

Though lengthy and a bit confusing, this anonymous person hit us with some good common-sense wisdom. Idealism is a delusion and practicality matters in a relationship. Simplicity matters too. In this case, there’s a two-step process: identify the problem, and diligently work on a solution.

6. “Relationships end too soon because people stop putting in the same effort to keep you, as they did to win you.” – Unknown

To love someone is to be mindful of their thoughts and feelings. Love is an embodiment of human nature in that it’s dynamic, not static. Becoming smitten with someone is easy; respecting them enough to put forth the necessary effort to keep things going isn’t.

7. “He can’t read your mind. So take a moment to let him know how you really feel.” – Stephen Speaks

Have you ever brooded about your partner without letting them know why? You’re just sort of steaming like a teapot with no spout? Time to put on your big boy pants, do some thinking, and have a real conversation.

8. “It doesn’t matter who hurt you, or broke you down. What matter is who made you smile again.” – Unknown

Some people have a serious problem letting go of the past. It is important to remember that the individual you’re with now is not anyone you’ve been with before. Don’t allow the past to dictate your future.

9. “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in the madness.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Let’s face facts: love is not easy. In fact, it can be downright frustrating; even maddening. But remember the reasons why you’re with a person. There is a reason behind the madness, even if it’s difficult to see.

10. “Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.” – Bob Marley

As we are all imperfect, it’s a certainty that we’ll hurt the people we love at some point, even unknowingly. As the dynamism of an intimate relationship transcends any relationship type, it’s possible you’ll feel more hurt by your partner than anyone else. But if true love is present and felt by both people, it’s definitely worth the suffering.

11. “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.” – Richard Bach

Sometimes we have to cut ties to learn of someone’s true feelings. Is this hard? Absolutely. But, what is the point of holding onto someone if they don’t want to be there in the first place? Let them “test the waters.” If they paddle their way back, it’s probably a good sign.

Words can inspire and words can destroy. Choose yours well. ~ Robin Sharma

https://youtu.be/62pATpBxT7g

References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-nikki-martinez-psyd-lcpc/20-relationship-quotes-to_b_9081776.html
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_relationship.html

Should You Follow Your Head Or Your Heart? Researchers Reveal Which One to Pick

January 1, 2018 by Power of Positivity

For lack of better phrasing, heart-based decisions are those that evoke little resistance from your brain. The inner monologue you have with yourself isn’t based on rational thought. Heart decision-making, therefore, can be described as impulsive.

Compare this with your head, which tries – and often fails – to get us to think logically despite an influx of emotions. We face this situation a lot, but perhaps no more than when we really want something – clothes, electronics, food – whatever.

Here’s something most of us can relate to:

It’s rush hour. You’ve had a long day; you’re tired, irritable – and hungry. You see a billboard for your favorite fast food joint.

Heart: “Oh my GAWD…double cheeseburger…fries…”
Brain: “Terrible idea.”
Heart: “I really don’t want to cook…”
Brain: “We’ve got leftovers in the fridge. We’re trying to eat healthy, remember?”
Heart: “Leftovers suck.”
Brain: “…”

Is “Listen to your heart” the right advice?

“Emotion and time pressure are two important factors affecting risk decision-making … under high time pressure, two distinct cognitive pathways may function in human decision-making.” ~ Hu.Y, et al. “The effect of emotion and time pressure on risk decision-making.”

Should You Follow Your Head Or Your Heart? Researchers Reveal Which One to Pick

It’s an all-too-common expression, though most of us haven’t a clue what it really means. “Just follow your heart.” “Let your heart guide you.” “The heart knows.” And so on…

But if we think of the heart as the epicenter of emotion, which many do, such advice can be counterproductive at best, and disastrous at worst.

Perhaps there were instances when you threw caution to the wind, allowed your emotions to lead the way, and things turned out well. Generally speaking, however, this chain of events is the exception and not the rule.
So why do we insist on emotional decision making?

A couple of reasons:

(1) We tend to remember distinguishing events, particularly those when a positive outcome was realized.
(2) Positive outcomes produce positive emotions, which – as a result of cognitive biases – attributes these outcomes to random decision-making.

An interesting study

Scientists from East China Normal University conducted an experiment consisting of 72 college-age participants. The research was designed to mimic real-life scenarios involving the factors of time constraints, emotional arousal, and risk decision-making.

The research team implemented a ‘3×2′ experimental framework, consisting of three emotional states (positive, negative, and controlled), and two variations of time constraints (high time constraint and no time constraint.)
Here’s how the team conducted each experiment.

– Emotion induction: The research team exposed 24 students to positive emotions using a “feel good” motion picture” popular in China; 24 students watched a movie designed to produce the opposite effect, and the remaining 24 students didn’t watch anything.

– Following the emotion-induction phase, all students then took a high time pressure, multiple choice test.

– Lastly, the students took a Chinese version of the PANAS test – a psychometric scale measuring the levels of positive or negative emotions each student felt.

Under the time pressure condition, students were far more likely to make risky decisions when they were feeling happy – and far less likely to make risky decisions when they felt neutral or negative emotions.

With an unlimited time to consider risk, however, emotion made no difference when making risk-taking decisions.

Final Thoughts

Although we’re straying a bit, here’s something fascinating to consider:
Breakthrough research is being (and already has been) conducted on ‘heart intelligence,’ specifically, how the heart and brain work in cohort. As it turns out, the heart has its own neural network that is constantly in communication with the brain and body. (We’ll include a link in the ‘Sources’ section.)

The clever group of folks who made this discovery are quick to point out one thing: our heart isn’t just some “pump” that circulates blood. Indeed, the heart has “a mind” of its own.

So, no, you don’t make bad decisions because you “listen to your heart.” You make bad choices because you’re caught up in a barrage of emotions.

Susan Krauss-Whitbourne, Ph.D., wraps it up nicely:

“Listening to your (“heart) is something that will more likely hurt you than not, especially if you are under any kind of time pressure. Once you’ve had to time to sort through all the factors, both rational and irrational, your judgment should be clearer. Decisions to take risks may in fact benefit you, but just take your time, whenever possible, to gain the most fulfillment from those decisions.”

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

The Sun is Healthy – in Moderation

Here are 5 health of the biggest (most appropriately) benefits of sunlight:

1. The Sun Packs Vitamin D

2. It Lowers Blood Pressure

3. It Improves Brain Function

4. Alleviates mild depression

5. It heals certain skin disorders

Protecting Yourself

Genetic and lifestyle characteristics:

Monthly examinations:

Skin cancers often appear in one of four ways:

Blocking UV Rays

Here are 5 positive habits you need to be successful in 2018:

Habit #1: Be Humble in 2018

Habit #2: Bear Down

Habit #3: “Diligent Practice”

Habit #4: Eliminate distractions in 2018

#5 Be mindful in 2018

Heart attack? Cardiac Arrest?

Dr. Chugh explains:

About the Study

5 Early Warning Signs Of Heart Problems To Watch For

1. Shortness of Breath

2. Chest Pain

3. Flu-like Symptoms

4. Loss of consciousness

5. Other signs

Heart Health Tips

Here Are Some Warning Signs From Your Feet That You Should Never Ignore

1. Hairless feet or toes

2. Sunken toenails

3. Coldness

4. Yellow toenails

5. Numbness

6. Flaky feet

Final thoughts

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

The Power of Words

Here are 11 such quotes:

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

References: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-nikki-martinez-psyd-lcpc/20-relationship-quotes-to_b_9081776.html https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_relationship.html

Should You Follow Your Head Or Your Heart? Researchers Reveal Which One to Pick

An interesting study

Final Thoughts

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Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

Stay Connected With

Us

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-nikki-martinez-psyd-lcpc/20-relationship-quotes-to_b_9081776.html
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_relationship.html

Rise and Shine On!
Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist