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5 Negative Effects Staying Up Late Has On Your Body

April 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Are you a late-night person instead of an early bird catching the worm type? It turns out that your nighttime habits, including staying up late, might negatively impact your health.

Experts indicate that people who do nighttime shift work are at a greater risk of developing medical issues. These issues include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions. People who stay up late as a personal choice have the same risks, too.

People gravitate towards being a night or morning person, with little flexibility. They either like to stay up late or prefer going to bed early and waking up early.

If you’re a night owl, the uncomfortable truth is that it’s detrimental to your health. Science has proven that staying up late has unhealthy effects on your body and nullified any counterargument to the contrary.

Five Negative Effects of Staying Up Late

1. Late Nights Can Weaken the Immune System

Our immune systems are inextricably linked to a predisposed sleep and wake cycle – the circadian rhythm. A natural circadian rhythm is programmed for 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark. When this internal body clock is toyed with, our immune system suffers.

In a study published in the journal Science, researchers observed the effects of tinkering with the circadian rhythm. Light-cycle disruptions increase the inflammatory immune cells in your body that protect against infections.

2. Too Many Late Nights Can Be Detrimental to Brain Health

Scientists at Aachen University in Germany administered brain scans of 59 people categorized into three groups: 16 early risers, 23-night owls, and 20 intermediates. Analyzing the scan results, scientists concluded that night owls possessed less “white matter integrity” in various brain areas.

White matter in the brain is a fatty tissue that facilitates communication between neurons, or how the brain sends signals to various body areas.

Disproportionate levels of white matter suppress the ability to transmit signals across the brain and body. To date, abnormal white matter levels link to depression and impaired cognitive function.

3. Late Nights May Lead to Poor Eating Habits

Besides having a weakened immune system and potentially unhealthy brain, night owls overindulge in unhealthy foods more often. In a 52-person study, researchers found a link between sleeping patterns and poor eating habits.

Dr. Phylliss Zee, the senior author of the study, states, “When sleep and eating are not aligned with the body’s internal clock, it can lead to changes in appetite and metabolism, which could lead to weight gain.”

Here are some specific findings of the study; night owls:

Ate 248 more calories throughout the day.
Consumed twice as much fast food
Ate half as much fruits and vegetables
Drank more full-calorie soda
Had a higher body mass index (BMI), a measure of body weight

4. Staying Up Late Negatively Alters Melatonin Production

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland that regulates sleep and wakefulness. Exposure to light stimulates a pathway from your eye’s retina to your brain’s hypothalamus. This pathway is where you will find the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

In addition to producing melatonin, the SCN, fires signals to parts of the brain that control body temperature and hormone levels. Typically, the aforementioned physiological response occurs at approximately 9:00 PM, when night owls, although not completely alert, are far from nodding off.

The brain and body adapt to environmental changes, including self-inflicted ones and habits. What this means for those who stay up late is underproduction of melatonin and disruptions to the hormone’s various functions.

5. A Late Night Increases the Risk of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

According to a research study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, men and women both face health risks from staying up late. Men who stay up late are more likely to have diabetes, and females are twice as likely to have metabolic syndrome.

While the reasons for these effects are hazy, researchers suggest that eating calories after 8:00 PM and overexposure to artificial light – two common behaviors of night owls – can both influence metabolic functions.

Other Interesting Information

Here is some interesting research-based info about sleep/wake cycles:

There is no observed correlation between intelligence, success, and one’s sleep/wake cycle.
Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl is thought to be genetically determined.
It is possible, though difficult, to change from an owl to a lark.
If you can’t change your sleeping habits, eat healthily and avoid related health issues.

12 Habits to Help Break the Habit of Staying Up Too Late

Staying up late has perks for night owls, but the consequences outweigh them. To avoid the effects and form better habits, these tips can help you stop staying up late.

1. Exercise Regularly

Being active each day can make a difference when you lay down for bed at night. If you didn’t do anything physically demanding that day, it is hard to relax and get some rest. However, regular exercise can help you calm your body and fall asleep much quicker.

You don’t have to do any intense exercises, either. You can stick to options like yoga, Pilates, or a brisk walk if you’d prefer. Or, you can do crunches, push-ups, burpees, running, or cycling.

Whatever activity you choose, make sure it gets your blood pumping. Don’t exercise too close to bedtime, though, because it initially has an energizing effect.

2. Don’t Drink Caffeine After Midday

Caffeine can help you wake up and maintain concentration in the morning. However, once noon rolls around, you shouldn’t indulge anymore. It prevents drowsiness before bedtime, causing you to stay up later.

Instead, opt for caffeine-free teas that promote sleepiness. You’ll still enjoy a beverage, but it won’t interfere with your sleep habits and contribute to staying up late.

3. Read a Book at Night

Studies show that reading helps reduce stress levels, helping you drift off to sleep easier each night. It takes your mind off of your daily struggles, allowing you to relax and think about something happier.

4. Clean Your Room

Keeping your bedroom tidy and organized can help you sleep better. Studies show that a messy room increases a person’s risk of developing a sleep problem. It could cause you to struggle with falling asleep or experience sleep disturbances.

5. Write in a Journal

Writing your thoughts down can work wonders for helping you sleep at night. Your brain tries to keep track of everything, forcing it to work overtime each day. When you have overwhelming thoughts, write in a journal to help ease your mind.

Writing things down can ease nagging thoughts that keep you awake. You can make lists in your journal about what you want to accomplish the next day, helping silence your inner to-do list. Whatever thoughts keep you awake, getting them down on paper can make a beneficial difference.

6. Plan Your Evening

You plan the other parts of your day, so you should do the same for your evenings. Think about the things you want or need to accomplish and plan to accomplish them. Whether you have chores or want to spend time relaxing, make a schedule to get it done before your bedtime routine begins.

7. Keep Your Room Cool

It’s easier to fall and stay asleep in a colder room, although a warm and cozy room would do the trick. According to the Sleep Foundation, you will sleep better in a room around 65-degree Fahrenheit. Your internal temperature drops at night, so a cool environment provides the best situation for sleep quality.

8. Make Time to Do Nothing

Sometimes you need the time to sit down and not do anything. You can use this time to meditate or reflect on the day. Give yourself time to process your impulses, emotions, and thoughts, as it can help you digest your life events.

When you first try to take time to do nothing, you’ll likely find it a challenge. Be present and resist the urge to get up and do something. It’ll get easier the more often you do it, and you’ll quickly recognize the difference.

9. Don’t Do Activities in Your Bedroom

If you frequently do activities in your bedroom, it’ll make it harder to sleep at night. Doing work, browsing the internet, or scrolling social media in your bedroom make you subconsciously associate those things with your room. Then, you’ll struggle to fall asleep as you think of everything you could be doing instead.

Limit the things you do in your bedroom, and you’ll only associate your room with sleep or intimacy. Don’t do crafts or fold laundry in your room, either; you might want to get up and do it late at night.

10. Understand the Reasons You Stay Up Late

If you often stay up late, you must think of why you do it. Knowing what you’re up against can help you make beneficial changes and fall asleep earlier at night. When you know the things that keep you awake, you can fight the urges better.

11. Don’t Eat a Meal Right Before Bed

When you’re up late, it’s more tempting to overeat. You might eat enough snacks that they count as a meal, or you might go ahead and have an entire meal. Eating too close to bedtime can cause indigestion and discomfort, making it hard to fall asleep.

12. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Humans are creatures of habit, and a bedtime routine is a healthy part of that. When you have an established routine, your mind and body will know when it’s time to fall asleep. It helps you wind down and prepare for rest rather than not being ready for bed until late.

Bedtime routines also decrease feelings of stress and anxiety, eliminating and preventing worrying thoughts. They also allow you to find fulfillment and get things done at a reasonable hour.

A good bedtime routine begins about an hour before bed, but some people choose 30-minutes before. You’ll do it at the same time each day and for the same length before lying in bed. Some ideas for your routine include:

Light stretching or yoga
Reading a book
Practicing breathing techniques
Meditating
Playing calming music
Writing in your journal

Final Thoughts on Decreasing Late Nights

Staying up late has many negative effects on your body, so it’s best to find another solution. If you can’t avoid staying up late, ensure you aren’t participating in late-night activities that hinder your health.

You can make some beneficial changes to help you go to bed earlier, but not all will work for you. Try a few and see what works, then add another habit to help you stop staying up late. Eventually, you’ll find what works for you and become healthier overall.

5 Ways to Avoid Fights With Your Partner

April 25, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“Ordinary, the focus of (relationship) fights is an exaggeration of life issues…” – Lynn E. O’Connor Ph.D.

Fighting with someone you love is a wretched, sometimes devastating experience that can seriously affect the relationship. Even after the fight ends, remnants of the conflict remain: negative thoughts, low energy, depression, and so on. Perhaps the worst feeling of all is guilt and worry about how your unkind words affected your partner.

Until peace is declared between both partners, a tense and unfavorable environment will repel them from each other. The overwhelming presence of negative energy is deeply unsettling. It is best, therefore, to diffuse the situation ASAP.

It’s important to understand that not all conflict is necessarily bad; it can even be healthy. Couples, especially couples during the early phases of their relationship, will butt heads – a byproduct of evolving intimacy. Couples married for years will disagree about something important, potentially leading to an argument.

Dr. Hillary Goldsher, a licensed clinical psychologist explains: “It is inevitable that issues arise that require resolution when two people have an intimate connection. The question is not if conflicts are going to occur, but how to handle them when they do.”

Many harsh arguments (read: fights), however, serve little purpose – and are often instigated by a simple misunderstanding. One partner says something the other partner misinterprets, the other partner “goes off,” and things spiral downwards from there.

“Prevention is the best cure” is a phrase oft-cited within the medical community – and one that applies to this article’s topic. Specifically, we want to equip our readers with basic knowledge on preventing (or stopping) a fight with your partner.

Here are 5 ways to avoid fights with your partner:

1. Admit when you’re wrong and apologize

Apologizing when you’re wrong is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent or diffuse an argument. Yet, many of us have difficulty admitting fault – this is nothing more than a misplaced sense of pride.

Absolving yourself and admitting you are/were wrong is an incredibly powerful (and courageous) act. Even acts of a profoundly malicious nature can be forgiven if it is sincere. Indeed, we may need to swallow our pride to do the right thing; but if we love the other person, we’ll discover the fortitude necessary to do so.

2. Reach an acceptable compromise – if possible

As with admitting fault and apologizing, compromising can be an easy yet difficult endeavor. The catch is that both people must be willing to “come to the table.” Compromise is much easier (in most cases) if the matter is trivial: where to eat, what movie to see, and so on.

An important distinction must be made at this juncture. Not all relationships are healthy, and some are incredibly harmful. A quickly deteriorating relationship demands a solution that casual compromise will not bring. This situation requires the intervention of a marriage counselor, therapist, or another expert.

3. Don’t take your partner’s problems personally

We spend quite a bit of time with our significant other. As a relationship unfolds, their life becomes our life through the days, months, and years. However, we can involve ourselves a bit too much – and in situations of little consequence.

A typical scene: one partner comes home from a bad day at the office. The other attempts to engage them in conversation only to receive no response. [Pause]

What odds that “the other” partner will take this silent “rebuff” personally? Well, if “the other” is in a sensitive or delicate state, it’s likely they’ll perceive it as such. The result: a needless fight that accomplishes nothing.

Jane Greer, Ph.D. and couples therapist, explains: “You have to give your partner the leeway to be in the occasional bad mood. If you expect (them) to cater to your feelings 24/7, you’re being disrespectful and selfish.”

4. Respect each other’s space and privacy

Dr. Terri Orbuch, a psychologist and research professor at the University of Michigan, has studied marriage and divorce for over three decades. One particularly eminent study, The Early Years of Marriage Project, tapped Orbuch as a lead researcher.

During her research, Dr. Orbuch and her colleagues concluded, “Having enough space or privacy in a relationship is more important for a couple’s happiness than a good sex life.”

Dr. Orbuch explains: “When partners have their own sets of interests, friends, and time for self, that makes them happier and less bored. Time alone also gives partners time to process their thoughts, pursue hobbies and relax without responsibilities to others.”

Of course, a happier and more relaxed couple is far less likely to engage in fighting.

5. Practice mindfulness

As mentioned, negative emotions instigate and exacerbate a conflict, and leave a dastardly environment of negative energy after the fight is “over.” Hence, why we’re including mindfulness as a solution.

Mindfulness (or mindfulness-meditation) is the practice of observing one’s thoughts without judgment. Negative thoughts and energy are abundant during and after a heavy conflict – and learning how to “manage” these thoughts can both deter and mitigate any argument.

Proper mindfulness training will allow you to see these thoughts as mere thoughts, not as absolutely “truth” which, unfortunately, the mind has a way of misinterpreting.

Dr. Lynn O’Connor explains: “(Thoughts) become like clouds in the sky – here one moment, gone the next…gaining control of your mind through meditation is one way to cope with a fight.”

References:
Frankel, V. (2011, September 17). Don’t Take It Personally. Retrieved from http://www.self.com/story/how-not-to-take-things-personally
Lickerman, A., M.D. (2010, December 26). How To Admit You’re Wrong. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201012/how-admit-youre-wrong
O’Connor, L.E., Ph.D. (2014, November 01). How to Stop Fighting With Your Partner. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/our-empathic-nature/201411/how-stop-fighting-your-partner
Preston, D. (2017). What Every Man Needs to Know About Handling Arguments in a Long-term Relationship. Retrieved from http://www.primermagazine.com/2015/love/what-every-man-needs-to-know-about-handling-arguments-in-a-long-term-relationship
Psychology Today. Therapists: Hillary Goldsher. Retrieved from https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Hillary_Goldsher_PsyD,MBA_Beverly+Hills_California_60540
Smith, S. (2012, November 06). Forget Sex, the secret to long-lasting relationship is space. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/forget-sex-the-secret-to-a-longlasting-relationship-is-space-20121105-28tle.html

7 Signs You’ve Found A Good Woman

April 7, 2017 by Power of Positivity

A good woman is a treasure in a world that often lacks genuine kindness and compassion. But what exactly are the signs of a good woman? Is it her beauty or intelligence? Or is it something deeper and more meaningful?

As human beings, we all have different preferences and ideals regarding romantic relationships. However, we can all agree that finding a good partner is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. When it comes to finding a good woman, it can be challenging to determine what qualities to look for. With so many different personalities and traits out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out what makes a woman a good partner.

In this article, we’ll explore seven signs of a good woman to help you recognize a potential partner that is worth your time and effort.

“You can’t keep a good woman down. She can be cheated on. Lied to. Taken advantage of…by every man she’s ever loved. Yet she’s the one they miss in the end. She’s the only one they swear over. For letting her go. She’s the one that haunts their thoughts. She’s the one that’s gathered all her dignity from their misuse and went on to love again. She rises like a phoenix after betrayal – and damn she lights up the sky.” – Rafael Padilla

The Role of Chemistry in Finding a Good Woman

Discovering a genuine, good-hearted person is the first battle. Then there’s this important thing called chemistry. Here’s a frequent scenario: man meets a good woman, a woman meets a good man. They both think “why not give it a shot?” The relationship lasts a while. One or both realize something is “off” or “missing.” The relationship ends.

Why? Because a “good person” is not always the “right person.” How many of us have known that great guy or gal who hasn’t settled? People – and therefore, relationships – are much more complex.

Here are 7 signs you’ve (probably!) found the right woman:

This brings us to the topic of this article: signs that you’ve (probably) found the right woman. We sincerely hope this information helps someone (maybe even you) find that elusive and special person.

1. There is an “instant connection”

While there are exceptions to this rule, most happy couples will say there was a connection of some type; and that they felt it quickly.

The simple fact is that you can’t love someone you’re not attracted to. This not only applies to physical appearance but emotional and intellectual as well.

Since this article is about finding the right woman, here’s a valuable tip for males: looks are not nearly as important to her as they are to you. Humor, confidence, charm, charisma, and strength will trump looks.

2. Your thought patterns are similar (in most ways)

Men in a committed, happy relationship are still affected by how frequently our thoughts align with our partner. Two people meant for each other will often complete each other’s sentences. One will bring up a topic that the other was just about to.

You won’t always agree with each other (a good sign), but that’s also part of the fun.

3. Affection and love grow in time

Following the first couple of dates, one should know whether or not there’s “something there.” In the later stages, pleased couples will reminisce about how their love and affection for one another grew over time.

Imperfections are accepted, even embraced. The love and affection you feel for the right woman overcomes everything else.

4. You laugh together, a lot

If your relationship lacks humor and laughter that’s usually not a good sign. A mutual sense of humor is among the most essential indications of chemistry.

You, like I, have probably known a couple whose laughter and sense of humor are on the level of Eeyore’s from Winnie the Pooh. If they love each other that’s wonderful – and really the only thing that matters.

For those with an astute sense of humor, the “right” woman will probably make you laugh quite often – and vice versa. If not, she’s probably not the right person.

5. There’s a mutual, unshakable sense of respect

We’re not talking about the type of respect shown to one’s boss or “morality-based” respect. When you’ve found the right one, and the relationship develops, your love and adoration for her will be so entrenched that the last thing you’ll ever want to do is hurt her.

She highly respects you as a man. You highly respect her as a woman. Both people do so out of love, nothing else.

6. Your priorities will change

Does anyone know of the playboy who settled down, married, and had kids?

It’s entirely something to behold.

That’s what the right woman does. She grabs your heart, you grab hers, and you both fall in love. For men who at one time loved the single life that period quickly fades from memory. Not only does it fade, but you’re so thankful it has.

7. You want the same things in life

This last one is so very important. Many relationships end because one wants something the other doesn’t. Examples: kids (obviously), a house, living in a different state/country, working full-time or staying home, etc.

While you won’t necessarily want everything the other does, life-changing wants, and needs should be mutually agreed upon.

Final Thoughts on the Traits of a Good Woman

It is more than intial attraction, her shape, form, or looks. A good woman is someone you can rely on, someone who will be there for you through thick and thin, and she won’t betray your trust or love.

What Does Your Chinese Zodiac Reveal For 2017?

April 7, 2017 by Power of Positivity

2017 is the year of the Chicken, the 4714th Chinese year.

According to the Chinese Horoscope Calendar (CHC), this year is the year of the Red Fire Chicken (N.B. NOT the spicy chicken you can get at your local eatery!). The CHC theory indicates that Chicken is a female metal, which is linked to jewelry, gold, and precious gems. Translate that into modern-day terms, and we are talking about monetary wealth, luxury, and beauty! However, do not get too carried away just yet because as the chicken is female metal, which is unfortunately linked with fog or dirty air. Therefore, we are unable to see clearly moving forward until the fog passes.

Now let us look at what this means for YOU (remember, the CHC states that if you are born before 4th February, your sign is the same as the previous year).

What Does Your Chinese Zodiac Reveal For 2017?

Rat

In love, if you are single, you should look into going to social gatherings and it would help your cause to enlist help from someone older than you, like a parent, mentor, or older friend. However, those in relationships will now see their amorous partnership settle and married couples will concentrate on the family.

Money-wise, loaning money to people close to you would bring problems getting it back and it is also advisable not to make any risky investments. Look into the real estate markey as a safer bet.

At the office, you are someone in demand. If you feel that your current job does not let you spread your wings, then you could look to do just that elsewhere. If there is a promotion opportunity, this is another possible avenue open to you. However, you will have to go and get it.

Cow

In love, everything is looking rosy if you are attached, so there is no need to keep working on your relationship. Single? You are in luck, someone decent is on the way. Just do not milk it!

Money-wise, looking good also with many opportunities but they will require your time, so do not expect that seven-figure cheque in the mail just yet.

At the office, status quo is the order of the day. Sticking with the right people where you are will bring you good fortune, just as you planned.

Tiger

In love, expect some fireworks coming your way if you are single. If you are not, it is just as good. You will spend lots of time with the person of your affections, making you the cat that got the cream. All positive vibes.

Money-wise, some hard work is needed for about six months if you are embarking on a new quest, then you will see the fruits of your labour. Money from the old business will be more than enough to cover it.

At the office, a job change is a good idea to get your claws into but pay close attention to the timing. It is time to improve communication skills to aid with your professional development. Couple that with your innate passion will stand you in good stead with any obstacles.

Rabbit

In love, now is not looking good. To help you if you are looking, ask a Dog, Rat, Cow, or Snake. You should avoid any arguments as much as possible if you are in a relationship.

Money-wise, your hard work will pay off after the summer. After your receive this, take this cash and hop it! Use your hard-earned on a new project.

In the office, you are not ready to tackle something new right now. Work on yourself and develop new skills so that you are prepared for challenges as they come. For now, stick to what you know.

Dragon

In love, there should be fire in your belly after reading this. If you are single, going out will lead to meeting someone with whom a connection is highly probable. For those in a relationship, you will enjoy a deeper romantic union. Married dragons will fall in love again with their spouses. This year is one to remember in this aspect, no matter for civil status.

Money-wise, more good news. However, be sure to use all your faculties available to you, with the most useful being intelligence, creativity, good ideas, discovery, and positive vibes. Hiring a financial advisor could be a money-spinning idea. People who are born under the sign of Chicken will do all the promotion needed to succeed.

At the office, your choices will be the correct ones, no matter what you choose. This is a good time for you professionally, as you have the luxury of playing stick or twist and both choices being good ones. Sticking with your bread and butter is good because you are a leader who knows the chosen field well. Twisting is also good because you are well-equipped for the new obstacles ahead, but there is the possibility of this option being unstable at first. Not even St. George can stop you!

Snake

In love, good times are on the horizon if you know how to manage romantic relationships well, as Snakes are experts at being entangled. If you are on the hunt, now is optimal for searching for a mate, and even more so for men. If you have already found that special someone, your relationship will grow and develop further. A married Snake needs to give more attention to their spouse, with patience, care, and yielding required.

Money-wise, you are looking good in this also, my slithering friend. Just know that your passion for wealth might not be constant. If you keep it up, you are golden.

At the office, do you take that new opportunity knowing how settled you are right now? If you feel enthusiastic and passionate for the new task, go for it. If not, no need to panic. You have the luxury of being able to wait for the next one. How lucky it is to be you this year, Snake!

Horse

In love, although you will need to put some effort in, it will be all worthwhile. The seekers will find, especially if you are a man, and the romantically occupied among you will also enjoy some memorable times, just try not to argue.

Money-wise, a raise could be on its way, and the return on that investment? Ker-ching! You are certainly looking quite flush this year, Horsy, galloping all the way to the bank!

At the office, you are another one with choices. If you continue being passionate, it will not matter whether you stay where you are or take that new opportunity. Should you be offered that new position, you may find it hard to resist. Your neigh will be heard miles away….

Sheep

In love, you will be able to find or maintain love is possible, though you must not put too much pressure on a partner and be patient, potential or otherwise.

Money-wise, it can be a good year but only if you spend time on what you are working on at this moment, so do not be sheepish!

At the office, if you find following the herd unrewarding, now is a good moment to take on a different challenge. You are looking at a good cycle if you remain passionate.

Monkey

In love, you are not looking too clever. It is better to look for business opportunities or career interests at this time, no matter what your civil status is.

Money-wise, if you have the right patience and are careful, this can be a rather profitable time for you. Extra income may be hard to come by through competition. If you feel you can handle it, you will be successful. If not, you can ask your competitor if they want to co-exist for a particular project.

At the office, the future is bright if you are diligent. You have been working hard of late but feel that you have not reached your goal yet. You could take on a new role, either moving up the ranks where you are or swinging from one branch to another.

Chicken

In love, shaky territory is ahead but not all hope is lost. Looking? If you meet people born under the Cow, Dragon, or Snake, you could find yourself with a smile on your face. If you are in love already, arguments might ensue. To get plucky, finding a Snake as a mediator can be crucial. If you blame yourself, your confidence and spirit will be through the floor.

Money-wise, it is finger-licking good if you have the energy to see it through this year. Forget about risky investments or loaning money because they will cause you problems in the long-run with a return of chicken feed or worse. Play it safe this year!

At the office, again tread with caution. You really need to think long and hard before accepting a new job offer because you will be faced with competition from your new colleagues. The same goes for a promotion. If you need help, a Tiger can help you, giving you clarity and a sense of direction.

Dog

In love, think golden retriever. Single? While on the hunt, do not go all rottweiler and be too aggressive. Play it cool and you may have a new toy to play with soon. In love already? You have to have as much patience as a dog waiting for its master coming home from work. If you are a married Dog, no worries here. Look at any career or money-spinning opportunities.

Money-wise, opportunities are all around but you need to act fast or you will have to wait a year. Using a Snake to help you out can reward you more than a Scooby snack, as can using social networks.

At the office, stay loyal to your current employer. Stay focused on your current responsibilities and stay the course. Stay grounded. Just….. stay!

Pig

In love, pay closer attention to your love interest or partner. If you are looking, get out in the sun and start socialising. Men will find it easier to meet women in April, May, and June. Already have a partner? Show them your real piggy heart so that your relationship grows stronger.

Money-wise, you can bring home the bacon during the summer months! You will need to earn it through your passion and dedication. Do not let that deter you from great rewards.

At the office, you are currently unsure of your path at present. However, all that changes in the summer when clarity kicks in, then you can oink with delight about what you are up to professionally. New opportunities are only fine if you have the passion and the proper plan of action to pull it off, so ask yourself if you really want it. If not, stay put, dear Piggy!

As Porky Pig would say, “That’s all folks!”

References:
Other A N., “2017 Chinese Horoscopes for Year of Chicken” Chinese Fortune Calendar. http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2017/

9 Signs Someone Is Bottling Up Their Emotions

April 7, 2017 by Power of Positivity

The Oxford dictionary’s definition of “to bottle something up” is: “Repress or conceal feelings over time.”…So how do you know whether someone is doing just that with their emotions?

Here are nine signs to look out for that shows someone is suppressing their emotions:

1) Having an attitude reveals bottled emotions.

Getting stroppy is a temporary release from what is going on inside. It is the result of something eating away at the person in question because they are attaching happiness to a particular outcome and did not get it. Maybe the person they like completely humiliated them and the pain is bubbling away in secret. Maybe someone else at work got the credit for work they did. It is nothing more than a coping mechanism to prevent a full blow-out.

2) Feeling alone.

Their Saturday night consists of watching the whole series of X-Files by themselves, as they feel like their emotions are alien to everyone else that they even ignore calls from friends. If you believe this is the case, get Agents Mulder and Scully knocking on their door pronto. The truth is out there!

3) The silent treatment.

They say that silence is deafening. For someone bottling up their emotions, it is a cry for help, a silent one at that! It is another coping mechanism to keep things inside and for the person to “keep it together”. It can also be used as a way to let someone know you are not happy with them.

4) Distractions may signify bottled emotions.

Keep reading, my friend! These may come in many forms, such as people, events, games, sex, and so on. These are used to deter the person doing the suppressing from potentially reacting faster and more destructively than Chernobyl and Fukushima combined. Anything that can help take the edge off is fair game. However, such distractions are merely a temporary solution to a lingering problem.

5) Avoidance.

This is avoiding the cause that brings negative emotions. Triggers can include people, objects, places, events that ended badly, and others. This, like the last sign, is a way for the person to not face their demons.

6) Hitting the bottle.

Drink and/or substance abuse is yet another coping mechanism which is very common. The spectrum of substances ranges from alcohol to heroin to “legal highs”. This, as you are probably aware, can lead to dependency, possible disease or even death. Again, these “solutions” are only a temporary measure.

7) Bad memory can come with bottled emotions.

As the sufferer concentrates more and more on how to deal with the suppression, they tend to be more forgetful and less able to recognise social cues within a particular setting. This leads to a lack of communication, and a distinct decline in relationship satisfaction with everyone, most of all a romantic partner.

8) Weight gain.

Cortisol, the “stress hormone”, is released into the body to recover from two others, namely adrenaline and corticotropin releasing hormone, which brings about short-term loss of appetite. After the other two hormones disappear, cortisol lingers and appetite returns, making you eat more. It can also be stored as “visceral fat” in the abdomen. If this continues, the suppression turns into stress, which can onset weight gain.

9) Deterioration of gut health.

As the brain and the gastrointestinal tract are interchangeable, with the gut being known as “the second brain”, this can cause physical symptoms in that particular area. These symptoms include: an upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.

The truth of the matter is that it will come out sooner or later. You can either decide to let it go or your overpowering emotions will do it for you.

Have you got the bottle to let it out in time?

75 Year-Long Harvard Study Reveals How to Be Happy in Life

April 7, 2017 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you want to know how to be happy in life? Of course, you do.

Many different people have many different ways to enjoy this happy life. The monks of Tibet use meditation, the Hawaiians use Ho’oponopono, and the British visit the local pub on a Friday night! However, one study from Harvard University in the United States of America has been conducted for seventy-five long years to state how to make your life as happy as possible.

One of the longest ever undertaken this study commenced in 1938, and it followed 268 undergraduate men from every walk of life. It chronicled all aspects of their lives, from income to alcohol consumption. Correct to 2nd February 2012, only sixty-eight of the original number remained alive. The man who headed it from 1974 to 2004 is Harvard psychiatrist George Vaillant, who obtained the findings from the Harvard Grant Study. Some facets of the study are still emerging and are unknown in the public domain at this moment in time. However, we will share with you what we can about the findings.

Here Are the Key Takeaways on How to Be Happy in Life:

Remember these priceless words of advice.

1. “Happiness is love. Full stop.”

These are the five words Vaillant wrote in conclusion to a study that has cost seventy-five years and US$20 million. He explains two pillars of happiness: love and “finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away.” That means that you can be Richie Rich inside a mansion with your butler and McDonald’s, but money and power have little influence on happiness, as “in terms of achievement, the only thing that matters is that you be content at your work,” adds Vaillant. All relationships matter, even your earliest ones as a child. They serve as an indicator of happiness in life as a whole and career satisfaction.

Connections matter and, as H.L. Hunt succinctly put it,

“Money is just a way of keeping score.”

2. Intelligence is not the be-all and end-all that determines your happiness.

Naturally, it has some effect on how we feel, not that we are saying that people with a lower IQ cannot be happy. To clarify, the average IQ in the USA is ninety-eight. However, according to the Harvard Grant Study, men with an IQ slightly above average are generally just as happy as someone considered a genius.

3. You can be happy again, even after pain.

A tall red-haired participant named Godfrey Minot Camille attempted suicide after graduation from medical school and was a narcissistic hypochondriac before thirty. By the time he was fifty, he was an empathetic altruist and used a pragmatic stoicism for going about life. He recollected how love changed his life over time. Let us hear Godfrey in his own words when he was seventy-five:

“Before there were dysfunctional families, I came from one. My professional life hasn’t been disappointing – far from it – but the truly gratifying unfolding has been into the person I’ve slowly become: comfortable, joyful, connected, and effective.”

When he died while mountain climbing in the Alps at the ripe old age of eighty-two, he was a dearly loved husband and father to two doting children, and the church where he frequented was packed to the rafters at his memorial service. The Bishop who spoke in his eulogy said, “He lived a very simple life, but it was very rich in relationships.”

You can buy George Vaillant’s 480-page book “Triumphs of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study” on Amazon or the Harvard University Press.

How Can You Be Happy in Life?

Now that you know why cultivating joy is essential, how can you be happy in life? The answer to this boils down to the activities and people who feed your soul. Here are a few ideas of some habits you can try.

The Happy Health Brain Foundation team knows that a healthy and well-balanced brain is a happier brain.

With that in mind, clinical neuropsychologist Paul D. Nussbaum, of the University of Pittsburgh, advised the following in the Journal of the American Society on Aging:

“People should consider participating in novel and complex activities and reduce rote and passive activities. Some examples: learn a new language, including
sign language (which is great for babies); travel to new places and use new routes within familiar settings; play a musical instrument; engage in the arts and work on creative pursuits; play board games and do daily brain fitness exercises; read and write; and, try improvisation.”

So let’s look at how four of the habits mentioned above relate to how you can be satisfied in life.

1 – Travel to New Places

The world is right there, outside your door. If you have a heart full of wanderlust, indulge it. Plan to see new places, experience new cultures, and have fun along the way.

The more you immerse yourself in travel, the more you learn. Dr. Nussbaum noted in the JASA article is that the location must be “novel” or new to stimulate your brain cells. He also suggests taking a new road to familiar places. So even if you want to visit your favorite vacation spot, driving a route off the beaten path might provide a positive outcome, as well.

2 – Learn a New Language

Have you ever wished you had paid more attention in your high school foreign language class? It is never too late to learn, and there is no better time to start than today. You will feel proud of your accomplishments as you master each new lesson. Besides that, you will have an excellent new skill that will enable you to make new friends on those travels!

3 – Play an Instrument

A study of the pleasure centers of the brain concurs that music supports happiness. The article explains that music is a sensory pleasure and can have a positive effect on the brain. So pick up the guitar you always wanted, tune into a YouTube video, and teach yourself how to play a few chords. You will receive the reward of self-contentment.

Also, music is therapeutic and can help resolve past hurts.

4 – Host a Game Night

Playing games can be fun. But perhaps the best part about hosting a game night is the fellowship with your family or friends. It’s a great way to get together, engage in a positive activity, and spend precious time together with those special people in your life.

Final Thoughts on Learning How to Be Happy in Life

Learning how to be happy in life is within your grasp. Regardless of what activities you engage in to fulfill your promise of joy, remember that joy is your birthright. So love with all your heart, forgive past hurts, and never think it’s too late to try new things.

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Five Negative Effects of Staying Up Late

1. Late Nights Can Weaken the Immune System

2. Too Many Late Nights Can Be Detrimental to Brain Health

3. Late Nights May Lead to Poor Eating Habits

4. Staying Up Late Negatively Alters Melatonin Production

5. A Late Night Increases the Risk of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Other Interesting Information

12 Habits to Help Break the Habit of Staying Up Too Late

1. Exercise Regularly

2. Don’t Drink Caffeine After Midday

3. Read a Book at Night

4. Clean Your Room

5. Write in a Journal

6. Plan Your Evening

7. Keep Your Room Cool

8. Make Time to Do Nothing

9. Don’t Do Activities in Your Bedroom

10. Understand the Reasons You Stay Up Late

11. Don’t Eat a Meal Right Before Bed

12. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Final Thoughts on Decreasing Late Nights

Here are 5 ways to avoid fights with your partner:

1. Admit when you’re wrong and apologize

2. Reach an acceptable compromise – if possible

3. Don’t take your partner’s problems personally

4. Respect each other’s space and privacy

5. Practice mindfulness

The Role of Chemistry in Finding a Good Woman

Here are 7 signs you’ve (probably!) found the right woman:

1. There is an “instant connection”

2. Your thought patterns are similar (in most ways)

3. Affection and love grow in time

4. You laugh together, a lot

5. There’s a mutual, unshakable sense of respect

6. Your priorities will change

7. You want the same things in life

Final Thoughts on the Traits of a Good Woman

What Does Your Chinese Zodiac Reveal For 2017?

Rat

Cow

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Sheep

Monkey

Chicken

Dog

Pig

References: Other A N., “2017 Chinese Horoscopes for Year of Chicken” Chinese Fortune Calendar. http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2017/

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

Here are nine signs to look out for that shows someone is suppressing their emotions:

1) Having an attitude reveals bottled emotions.

2) Feeling alone.

3) The silent treatment.

4) Distractions may signify bottled emotions.

5) Avoidance.

6) Hitting the bottle.

7) Bad memory can come with bottled emotions.

8) Weight gain.

9) Deterioration of gut health.

Here Are the Key Takeaways on How to Be Happy in Life:

1. “Happiness is love. Full stop.”

2. Intelligence is not the be-all and end-all that determines your happiness.

3. You can be happy again, even after pain.

How Can You Be Happy in Life?

1 – Travel to New Places

2 – Learn a New Language

3 – Play an Instrument

4 – Host a Game Night

Final Thoughts on Learning How to Be Happy in Life

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

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Us

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

References:
Other A N., “2017 Chinese Horoscopes for Year of Chicken” Chinese Fortune Calendar. http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2017/

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Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist