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Researchers Explain 10 Ways To Deal With Stress and Anxiety

May 27, 2017 by Power of Positivity

The human brain is a remarkable organ; considered by many scientists to be the most complex structure in the universe. We’ve landed on the moon, created the computer, made air travel possible, and on and on. Despite all the wondrous functions and capabilities of the brain, we’re often ruled by impulses that manifest into feelings of anxiety and stress.

The brain’s limbic system, considered our “emotion center,” is thought to be among the first to develop in the human species. Most scientists believe this early development is the byproduct of evolution – a survival mechanism.

So, how do we “deal with” anxiety and stress – two inherent emotions caused by a part of the brain we all possess? This question requires a two-part answer.

(1) We’ll never eliminate anxiety and stress, as they are hardwired brain responses. While it may not feel like it, this is a good thing; the stress response is key to our survival. (2) We can and should rid ourselves of excessive anxiety and stress. We do this by (surprise!) using our brain’s “thinking” parts.

This article discusses ten proven ways of reducing our anxiety and stress levels. We hope that this information proves to be both entertaining and informative.

Let’s get goin’!

10 Ways to Deal With Stress and Anxiety

“While we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can choose our responses.” – Steven Covey

1. Choose good and positive thoughts

Learning how to think good and positive thoughts is easier said than done. Nonetheless, it can be done. A simple 15 to 20-minute deep breathing or meditative exercise can help quiet a loud mind. With practice, the brain will sense negative, unnecessary stimuli and dismiss them with expedience. A more short-term solution is to derail negative thoughts by engaging your mind in a cognitive activity.

2. Focus on the present and nothing else

We live in a world full of distractions, and this situation only appears to be getting worse. With that in mind, we have a choice: will we allow distractions to control us, or will we control the distractions? The latter requires a mindful focus on the present moment – during work, at home, or anywhere else. A gentle, mindful ease into the present situation – whatever it may be – dethrones the stress and anxiety that may take hold.

3. Be a positive example in a hostile world

To be unaffected by the negativity surrounding us is not the solution – a positive example is. What do we mean by this? Let’s use work as an example. A “negative” person sees you and proceeds to spout off about how much they hate their boss, company, job – whatever the situation may be. Instead of reacting emotionally, act calm, poised, and polite. Not only may you change the person’s perspective, you reinforce your sense of self-control.

4. Forget about comparing yourself to others

Did you know that no direct link exists between consumerism (stuff people buy) and happiness? In one study, researchers at Northwestern University observed: “We found that irrespective of personality, in situations that activate a consumer mindset, people show the same sorts of problematic patterns in (wellbeing).”

It’s not just “stuff” either; unhappiness can occur by comparing yourself to another person in any respect. Comparing yourself accomplishes nothing. Trying to better yourself, on the other hand, does.

5. Unplug and detach

While we all love our smartphones (and other gadgets), they can be a major source of stress and anxiety. “Smartphones are being used more and more to help people cope with different aspects of their life. But the more they’re being used, the more we’re becoming a bit dependent upon them and courting stress instead of relieving it,” says Richard Balding, a psychologist in the psychology department at the University of Worcester, in England.

6. Simplify and declutter

Most people try to take on more things than they can handle. Instead of evaluating and focusing on what’s necessary, we tend to focus on what’s wanted. Our wants often come before needs, in other words.

There’s only one thing to say about this: it’s completely unnecessary and unhealthy!

Be present. Be mindful. Simplify – and watch your worries dissipate.

7. Break your tasks down

We all need to work, but we don’t need to be overwhelmed by it. If you have a large task ahead of you, don’t fixate yourself on the scale of it all – this saps your energy and drives before you even begin!

Take a bit of time and plan your approach using one small step at a time. Concentrate your mind on each step and forget about everything else. Your anxiety and stress levels will plummet.

8. Get some exercise – however you have to

“However you have to” is the key phrase here. The myriad of studies supporting mental and physical benefits of exercise should be the only motivation you need to get yourself going.

Here are some quick ideas: take the stairs, park further from buildings, do a set of max pushups, go for a brisk walk during breaks, do some crunches in bed. See where we’re going with this? Do something, anything involving some physical exertion. The minimum amount of time you should be aiming for is 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Again – it doesn’t matter how or where – it all adds up.

9. Check your sleep hygiene

There probably isn’t anything more important than quality, regular sleeping habits about minimizing anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety can throw a wrench into our body’s internal clock (i.e. circadian rhythm). Good sleep hygiene involves the following:

– Abstaining from stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime.

– Laying off heavy, rich and spicy foods right before sleep.

– Limit daytime napping to thirty minutes or less.

– Getting adequate exposure to sunlight (natural light).

– Having a bedtime routine (shower/bath, reading a blood, light stretches, for example) at the same time every night.

– Ensuring a cool, comfortable sleeping environment.

10. Focus on responding, not controlling

As the late Steven Covey once said: “While we cannot always choose what happens to us, we can always choose our responses.”

Equipped with some of the knowledge in this article, we hope you become more present, peaceful, and positive! Remember: nobody and nothing can make you unhappy unless you permit such.

12 Unproductive Habits Successful People Avoid

May 26, 2017 by Power of Positivity

To be “successful” is not subject to society’s definitions, but your own; whether or not you achieve what you’ve set out to do. How we manage our time often determines whether we succeed in achieving our purpose. So developing excellent time management habits becomes an essential key to success.

“I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.” – Golda Meir, 4^th Prime Minister of Israel

Ms. Golda Meir certainly knew how to “govern the clock,” taking over as Prime Minister during a turbulent time in Israel’s history. The above quote concisely explains productivity using just eight words.

Different as we are, we all have something in common: the number of hours, minutes, and seconds in a day (24, 1,440, 86,400, respectively). How we use this time is up to us – we can either leverage or waste it.

What choice will you make? Will you leverage the time needed to fulfill your goals, or will you wander about aimlessly?

No matter how “put together” we think we are, everyone needs an occasional reminder of ways to manage time productively. One aspect of time management is understanding what not to do, which segues into the topic of this article.

*Please note that this is written for individuals who do not have ADHD or high-functioning autism. It is not intended to be used as a guide for individuals with these conditions, as their experiences and challenges may differ significantly. Suppose you or someone you know has ADHD or high-functioning autism. In that case, it is important to work with a mental health professional or a qualified healthcare provider to develop strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

Here are 12 unproductive habits that successful people avoid:

1. Giving themselves too much work

While happy, successful people often have a good work ethic, they also know their limitations well. Allowing yourself to become weighted down with voluntary commitments is not a good time-management skill.

Know your limits – everyone has them.

2. Technology distractions

We can spin Golda Meir’s quote a bit and come up with some good advice: “I must govern the technology, not be governed by it.”

It’s almost embarrassing how attached people have become to e-devices. Productive people don’t spend hours on Facebook and certainly don’t keep their phones on full volume while working.

Just be smart and responsible with tech. Exercise some self-discipline in your internet habits.

3. Not having a plan

“Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This quote is overused and sometimes annoying – but it doesn’t make it untrue. Planning avoids wasting energy on “what should I do?” thinking.

A plan doesn’t require excessive detail – a simple outline of “to-do’s” works fine.

4. Not being focused

Constantly shifting your priorities is not a good habit. A focused individual knows the first, second, and third things to be done on any given day.

Substitute chaos for order by remaining focused.

5. Working too late (one of the worst habits!)

We’re not talking about hours imposed by your employer but on yourself. Working late can happen occasionally, but you may want to look at your schedule if you’re always up late getting something done. (If you’re more productive in the evening, that’s cool, long as you get some good sleep.)

6. Leaving things unfinished

Productive and successful people are great at finishing things.

Philip Stanhope, an 18^th-century British statesman who served as the 4^th Earl of Chesterfield, once wrote to his son: “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.”

7. Poor listening

Being inattentive or dismissive of new opinions or ideas is a bad habit. This often happens because we think we know more than we do.

Actively listen and pay attention; both skills will allow you to accumulate knowledge faster than most others.

8. Going it alone

This point will make introverts shudder. But not spending enough time with others to converse or collaborate may lead to missed opportunities. Not collaborating implies to others that you prefer “going it alone,” or putting too much work on your shoulders.

9. Resting on your laurels

In other words, not trying to learn anything new. Our brain is tremendously powerful, but we must use it regularly and wisely.

Scientists have discovered that neuroplasticity – the growth of neural networks within the brain – is a fact. The only limitations we have to learn, grow and adapt are self-imposed. Give your brain a daily challenge.

10. Pointless meetings

It’s not uncommon for successful people to be in some leadership role. If you research some of the most prominent politicians, businessmen/businesswomen, etc., you’ll notice that they don’t speak unless there’s something to be said.

And they certainly don’t organize hour-long meetings that waste the time of all involved.

11. Being disorganized

Organized doesn’t necessarily mean “neat and tidy,” but whether your stuff – including your “mental files” – are in order and accessible.

You are wasting a lot of time if you’re constantly looking for something or scrambling around to get what’s needed. Find an organizational method that works for you and stick with it.

12. Allowing unnecessary interruptions

Does anyone else find unnecessary intrusions aggravating? *V

When we permit unnecessary interruptions, we engage in two unproductive behaviors. First, we effectively disengage our mind from where it should be – in our work. Second, it’s a huge waste of time. Various studies show that it takes the average person 25 minutes to return to the original task once disrupted.

Quick solutions: get comfortable with saying “no” or “I’m working,” put up a notice (on your desk, cubicle, etc.), set aside a block of time to address things that may disrupt your day.

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

10 Signs You’re More Stressed Than You Think

May 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

There is near-universal consensus within the medical community that stress is a health problem of epidemic proportions.

Stress is considered ‘The Health Epidemic of the 21st Century’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).

‘“Americas #1 Health Problem: Stress. Contemporary stress tends to be pervasive, persistent and insidious because it stems primarily from psychological than physical threats. It is associated with ingrained and immediate reactions over which we have no control that were originally designed to be beneficial.” – The American Institute of Stress

The vast majority of surveyed Americans cite stress, especially work-related, as a major hindrance on their quality of life. Consider this list of stress-related facts and statistics:

75 percent of adults report experiencing “moderate to high levels” during the past month.
Half of Americans state that their current anxiety levels have increased compared to the same period last year.
Among high schoolers (9th through 12th grades) stress is cited as a top health concern. This statistic psychologists believe may cause long-term health problems in later generations without proper stress-management education.
Australia, China, and the U.S. report the highest percentages of work-related tension – at 91%, 86%, and 80%, respectively.

Approximately half of all U.S. workers state they “need help learning how to manage stress.”

Read that last statistic again quickly. 50 percent of all U.S. workers might as well be 50 percent of all adults (maybe a couple of percentage points less.)

Why such a ubiquitous lack of stress-management knowledge? Well, schools and colleges may educate people to prepare them for the future, but no college classes on “stress management” exist.

So unless one is inclined to research and practice stress management techniques, chances are that they’re in the dark with most other people.

Why Stress Is So Prevalent

Perhaps the primary culprit behind this epidemic is sheer ignorance. We’ve just accepted it as “a part of life.” We’ve adopted a sort of “it is what it is” attitude towards stress.

Sure, we cannot prevent all stress. Nor should be an attempt to do so; as an attuned stress response has served mankind well through thousands of years of evolution. A stress response in the brain could – and maybe already has – save your life.

But we’re not running from Sabertooths or fending off bloodthirsty warriors, as our distant ancestors had for thousands of years. Instead, today’s human has exchanged our ancestor’s survival-based “fight or flight” response to one based on pure impulse.

And…stress is sneaky.

When we are stressed out, several things happen: pupils dilate, blood vessels narrow, heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow, etc. But we really don’t THINK about it. We experience it and let it pass.

But this common “auto-pilot” response has repercussions, especially if someone’s levels are high and have been for a long time. Stress, simply put, is the #1 killer of human beings. Chronic stress may contribute to all six leading causes of death:

heart disease
cancer
lung ailments
accidents
cirrhosis of the liver
suicide

10 Major Signs

As stated prior, it has a way of “sneaking up” on us. It induces an autonomic response that many pay little attention to.

So, we’re going to discuss 10 major signs of stress. Once you’re equipped with the appropriate management tools, you’ll be well-prepared to take action.

1. Difficulty making decisions

Stress interferes with one’s ability to make decisions, especially if a decision has significant consequences. It also negatively impacts on how someone perceives risk and reward.

2. More conflict with your partner

No real surprise that when one-half of a relationship is stressed out, the chances of a conflict surfacing skyrocket. Because of the physical and psychological effects, conflicts such as arguing, blaming, and often criticizing manifest.

3. Changes in appetite

Hormones responsible for appetite either incite someone to overindulge or go hungry. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones that regulate appetite. The former fuels the desire to eat while the latter creates a feeling of satiety (fullness).

Approximately two-thirds of chronically stressed people overeat, while the rest are more inclined to push away from the table.

4. Feeling fatigued

It kicks the brain’s neural activity into overdrive. Because of the fight-or-flight response, heart and respiratory rates increase. If the brain can remain in this state, which consumes a disproportionate amount of the body’s energy reserves, the result is often an exhausted mind and body.

5. Lower self-confidence

While the exact explanation is a bit opaque, a correlation exists between stress hormones and depressive symptoms. One example of this relationship is the tendency for chronically stressed people to report lower self-esteem.

6. Concentration and memory problems

If individuals do nothing about their elevated stress levels, they risk developing chronic stress. When this happens, our brain’s capacity to “tune out” distractions diminishes, inhibiting our ability to concentrate. The rapid release of cortisol hormones into the hippocampus impairs memory as well.

7. Feeling impatient and on-edge

Credit this side effect to the oldest part of the human brain: the amygdala. Stress activates the amygdala, which stimulates the fight-or-flight response. The brain perceives this as fear. We’re more likely to feel on-edge and impulsive when in a fight-or-flight state – a byproduct of human evolution.

8. Changes in sleeping patterns

Per the National Sleep Foundation, “…people who are under considerable stress can have insomnia. It causes insomnia by making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep (due to elevated stress hormones in the bloodstream)…(and) alleviating the stress should alleviate the insomnia.”

9. Feeling less social

It is evident that it messes with the brain’s delicate balance of chemicals, paramount to overall health and well-being.

Social withdrawal (i.e., isolation) occurs most often when a person has dealt with extremely high levels of stress for a significant period. This can be attributed to some kind of chemical imbalance, perhaps even depression or anxiety.

10. Increasing use of alcohol, nicotine, or other substances

It is a psychological response that nobody likes experiencing. To alleviate this dreaded response, some people choose to self-medicate by using alcohol, nicotine or other substances. In the long term, the use of these substances can become an addiction. While appealing as a quick fix, prolonged abuse of harmful substances can exacerbate underlying problems.

5 Signs You Have An Indigo Child

May 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

One of the fantastic things about all children is the power of imagination. Still, there are other children and adults with the ability to perceive things beyond what the normal adult can perceive. Whether an indigo child can actually have special skills, learn as they grow to ignore the unusual things they perceive, or the things we as adults have learned do not exist is unknown.

5 Signs You Have an Indigo Child

1. An indigo child seems to have extrasensory perception

Intuition doesn’t even explain the types of premonitions your child may have. They almost seem to have ESP (extra sensory perception) because they make correct choices that make it seem as if they knew something was about to happen. An example would be stepping to the side just before a motorcycle has to swerve toward the curb to avoid a car; how did he know that was about to happen?

Researchers in the Journal of Parapsychology studied Native American children and their abilities to guess the shape on an ESP test card concealed by a screen. They had perception results that were high above average chance rates. The Native children predicted cards with 700 to 1 odds compared to a typical result with average chance.

2. An indigo child knows what’s happening

If your child is highly perceptive and knows when something is wrong, you may have an indigo child. Nobody said a word, but the child knows you and your partner are fighting. Whether they pick up on your body language or they just have ways of knowing the imprint of pain on your hearts is the mystery they alone know.

3. An indigo child experiences creatures or beings you can’t see

If your child says that they see fairies, leprechauns, pookas, or ghosts, but you can’t see anything at all, you may have an indigo child. Fantasy creatures seem to be drawn to your child’s openness to receive energies of various kinds. Your child may talk to them or tell you about them, stare off in the distance at one of their invisible friends.

4. Has an imaginary friend

Does the child have New Age gifts to perceive auras and things that adults can’t see? Or are the children socially awkward so they make friends up? Some researchers believe that we may have created the New Age concept of an indigo child to reframe childhood psychological ‘problems’ like dependence on an imaginary friend. By doing so, the child would be viewed as having a more positive and unique personality, not a psychological problem.

Researchers in The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions say ‘In late twentieth-century America the notion of Indigo children emerged. Said to have indigo-colored auras and unique spiritual abilities, these young people have had difficulty fitting into social institutions and are often diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.’ The researchers say that the concept of an indigo child was a way of assigning positive traits to ‘good children turned bad through psychological illness.’

5. An indigo child has personality quirks

An indigo child is highly intelligent and capable of being able to solve problems in ways that adults cannot imagine. They may seem distracted or inattentive, possibly because something unseen holds their attention. The child may often seem more serious than a child should, rather than smiling and playing. Acting adult-like in wisdom gives the indigo child the sense of having lived several lifetimes before.

References:
ESP in native American kids
http://search.proquest.com/openview/5fe04652ac60c1d6a6a87fc1af276e50/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1818062
The Wisdom of Indigo Children: An Emphatic Restatement of the Value of American Children he Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions
http://nr.ucpress.edu/content/12/3/6

5 Ways To Give Your Relationship The Love It Deserves

May 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Are you waking up smelling the roses? Or is the flower of your love on the brink of death?

Allow yourself to further strengthen the bond you have with your other half or give your relationship the kiss of life it really requires.

Without further ado, let us dive straight into what these ways may be.

5 Ways To Give Your Relationship The Love It Deserves

1. Be in the here and now for your future together.

Being available in a relationship is vitally important, in every sense of the word. Gents, that means actually listening to your lady. Hearing her words does not count here. Ladies, that also goes for you. Let their success be yours as well. Share your problems with each other. Tell each other things you find emotive in some way and give an honest reaction. Through the course of time, these things add up and you will feel closer to your chosen partner in crime (not that we would ever advocate committing a crime other than stealing the heart of said partner in crime every day!).

2. Physical touch in your union is paramount.

Any romantic relationship without physical touch is like a ticking timebomb. Our faithful friend Oxytocin gives us a lift from touching to help our emotional situation, so give your emotional situation a lift with some touching via our faithful friend Oxytocin. According to educational Psychologist Ludwig Lowenstein, that means four hugs a day. Do not forget to throw in some kissing and other kinds of touching, for all this not only makes you feel better but it also makes you healthier. For those of us with years and decades behind us with the same handsome guy or gorgeous gal, do you remember when you first got together and you could not keep your hands off each other? We rest our case.

3. Mutual appreciation gives a great sensation.

Another one of those things we do when we start a romance with someone new. We tell each other how amazing we are and everything we say and do is good. Of course, we tend to stop doing that as the years go by but the love will flow so smoothly if we keep doing it. Why not try complimenting on something small? Then how about complimenting more frequently? Lastly, surely it sounds good to turn this into a habit? Give it a go, and then watch your relationship go – from strength to strength. So be each other’s cheerleader, but please be advised that pom-poms are optional!

4. Go on a date with your mate…

…without any distractions. You could be taking the fishing rods and bait or having a night out on the tiles until late. Does that not sound great? Seriously, you should want to spend some quality time with your Dearly Beloved and not have to worry about any outside interference, such as work or kids. If you are feeling particularly amorous, you can go on a weekend away with Joy to recharge those love batteries. Enjoy!

5. Be a friend as well as a lover.

Could you ever imagine being in a relationship with your worst enemy or a stranger? The logical answer is obviously no. This has everything to do with how connected we feel with our life partner. You need to ask yourself: “Is my attachment to Trixie/Trevor a healthy one?” If the answer to that is no, then you can overcome this by taking on the role of friend. Not to worry, you are not demoting yourself, you are simply adding another string to your Cupid’s bow. If you feel like the connection to your significant other is like trying to charge your iPhone with a Samsung phone charger, then you can ask him/her questions about different things about him/her. That way you show your life partner that you are not withdrawing from the relationship. Just remember that a relationship is a two-way street.

References:

Averill F., “Top 10: Proven Ways To Improve Your Relationship”
Ask Men
http://uk.askmen.com/top_10/dating/top-10-proven-ways-to-improve-your-relationship.html
Alleyne R., “How hugs can make you feel better”
The Telegraph Newspaper
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/8299253/How-hugs-can-make-you-feel-better.html

5 Reasons To Never Ignore Gray Hair

May 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Jennifer Lopez began sprouting gray hairs around the age of 23. Taylor Hicks, the former American Idol winner, had a full thatch of grays when he won the contest at age 29. By all accounts, both individuals are healthy and prosperous.

In the vast majority of cases, gray hair pops up naturally. “Caucasians typically start going gray in their mid-30’s, Asians in their late 30s, and African-Americans in their mid-40’s,” according to WebMD.

Age-wise, “A white person is considered to be prematurely gray if his or her hair turns gray by age 20; gray before 30 is early for African-Americans,” per WebMD. Using this measure, we can deduce that Asians are considered prematurely gray in their mid-20’s.

Surprisingly, scientists are unsure about what causes premature graying, although genetics are believed to be a key determinant. David Bank, MD, the director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, says: “Premature graying is genetically determined for the most part. Graying is natural. We all do it eventually.”

Other theories have been put forth, but haven’t gained any traction.

Although there are few underlying health issues associated with grey hair, the fact that a link exists should be enough to warrant some caution. Hence, the reason for this article.

Here, we discuss the links between the rapid or premature development of gray hair, five possible health issues, and each condition’s related symptoms.

5 Reasons to Pay Attention to Gray Hair

Do you have other symptoms that point to these concerns?

1. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce necessary hormones in sufficient amounts. Early symptoms of the disorder include fatigue and weight gain. It is also common for patients to experience cognitive impairment and sensitivity to cold.

Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism display premature greying at a higher rate than the general population. Although the symptoms are similar, this disorder is more common in women than men.

The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your doctor if you’re experiencing a sudden onset of fatigue, excessive dry skin, paleness/puffiness of the face, constipation, or a hoarse voice.

The good news is that the doctor can diagnose this condition with a simple blood test. Treated early, the patient often experiences a sudden reduction in their symptoms.

2. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs when blood lacks enough healthy blood cells or hemoglobin. The latter binds oxygen to compounds within the blood, allowing efficient oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Anemia often develops from an iron deficiency – a problem worsened when trace nutrient elements cannot be delivered appropriately. This deficiency and inadequate amounts of B12 can expedite hair whitening.

Fatigue and other symptoms of anemia occur because organs are not receiving the necessary elements that allow them to function correctly. Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, brain fog, dizziness, pale skin and insomnia are potential symptoms.

Anemia is a complex condition with many variations. Please schedule time to see your doctor if you experience a sudden onset of any of the abovementioned symptoms.

3. Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), or heart disease, is a severe medical condition resulting from plaque buildup in the arteries. This plaque narrows the lining of the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac death.

In a study published in the journal European Society of Cardiology, researchers administered a CT coronary scan on 545 men for suspected CAD. Patients were divided into five groups according to their amount of grey or white hair.

Controlling for age and known cardiovascular risk factors, patients diagnosed with CAD had a “statistically significant higher ‘hair whitening score’… than those without coronary artery disease.”

Chest pain, shortness of breath, health palpitations, weakness or dizziness, nausea, and sweating are common symptoms.

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Not getting enough B12 may manifest into premature or sudden growth of grey hair. The effect is systematic; B12 deficiency can lead to melanin deficiency – the pigment that gives your hair (skin, and eyes) their color. Folate deficiency may produce the same effect.

B12 is considered an essential vitamin for normal bodily function. Although grey hair is not considered a primary symptom of B12 deficiency, pay attention to premature or sudden growth of grey hair.

Adequate consumption of B12 is vital for several reasons. It keeps the blood cells healthy, helps make DNA, and prevents megaloblastic anemia.

The body does not produce B12; we must acquire the vitamin through our diets. Good sources of B12 include: liver, mackerel, sardines, fortified cereals, red meat, salmon, fortified soy, low-fat dairy, cheese, and eggs. Of course, you can also take B12 supplements if you abstain from these foods.

5. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color that, similar to a B12 deficiency, results from inadequate melanin production. The disease can affect the hair, inside of the mouth, and eyes.

Vitiligo patients often see their hair color quickly transition from grey to white. Other signs of vitiligo include: loss of color in tissues inside of the mouth and nose, loss or change in color of the retina, and discolored patches around the armpits, genitals, navel, and rectum.

Promisingly, scientists believe they have discovered a biological pathway that – when manipulated the right way – may reverse vitiligo. These same scientists also think that their discovery may lead to pharmaceuticals that reverse the greying process!

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10 Ways to Deal With Stress and Anxiety

1. Choose good and positive thoughts

2. Focus on the present and nothing else

3. Be a positive example in a hostile world

4. Forget about comparing yourself to others

5. Unplug and detach

6. Simplify and declutter

7. Break your tasks down

8. Get some exercise – however you have to

9. Check your sleep hygiene

10. Focus on responding, not controlling

Here are 12 unproductive habits that successful people avoid:

1. Giving themselves too much work

2. Technology distractions

3. Not having a plan

4. Not being focused

5. Working too late (one of the worst habits!)

6. Leaving things unfinished

7. Poor listening

8. Going it alone

9. Resting on your laurels

10. Pointless meetings

11. Being disorganized

12. Allowing unnecessary interruptions

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

Why Stress Is So Prevalent

10 Major Signs

1. Difficulty making decisions

2. More conflict with your partner

3. Changes in appetite

4. Feeling fatigued

5. Lower self-confidence

6. Concentration and memory problems

7. Feeling impatient and on-edge

8. Changes in sleeping patterns

9. Feeling less social

10. Increasing use of alcohol, nicotine, or other substances

5 Signs You Have an Indigo Child

1. An indigo child seems to have extrasensory perception

2. An indigo child knows what’s happening

3. An indigo child experiences creatures or beings you can’t see

4. Has an imaginary friend

5. An indigo child has personality quirks

5 Ways To Give Your Relationship The Love It Deserves

1. Be in the here and now for your future together.

2. Physical touch in your union is paramount.

3. Mutual appreciation gives a great sensation.

4. Go on a date with your mate…

5. Be a friend as well as a lover.

References:

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

5 Reasons to Pay Attention to Gray Hair

1. Hypothyroidism

2. Anemia

3. Risk of Coronary Artery Disease

4. Vitamin B12 deficiency

5. Vitiligo

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