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11 Quotes To Remember When You’re In A Bad Mood

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Sometimes, a bad mood will strike for no apparent reason, and we feel like just crawling in bed to hide away from the pain and challenges of everyday life. However, we can’t just escape the obstacles and hang-ups that inevitably occur in life; we have to meet them head on, and deal with the bad moods whenever they arise. This doesn’t mean that you can’t feel negative emotions, but rather, learn how to understand what those feelings mean, and work through them in a positive manner. We hope the following quotes will help you to gain perspective and keep your cool whenever you feel in a bad mood.

11 Quotes To Remember When You’re In A Bad Mood

1. At some point you just have to let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening.

Life often unfolds very differently than how we imagined it. Next time you feel in a bad mood, just learn to work through it and accept the current reality. The more you fight it, the more the same situation will keep reappearing until you’ve learned the lesson. Let go, and let flow!

2. “She was brave and strong and broken all at once.” – Anna Funder

You don’t have to fight your feelings or put on some front – accept your feelings. It’s okay to be broken and fall down sometimes; bad moods don’t last forever, though, so remember this the next time one strikes. You still have incredible strength and fortitude even in times of despair; being human means feeling a wide range of emotions, so don’t beat yourself up for it.

3. Don’t judge. You don’t know what storms someone has just walked through.” – Kristen Butler

This one goes for yourself, too. Don’t judge yourself too harshly; you’ve made it this far in life and overcome incredible obstacles, so give yourself credit. A bad mood doesn’t make you a bad person.

4. Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity.

Do you feel that your bad mood came about due to your environment or people you surround yourself with? Remember that you can decide who or what to surround yourself with, so remain mindful of your energy around certain people or places. Distancing yourself from negativity can easily help you to uplift your moods.

5. When life is stressful, do something to lift your spirits. Go for a drive. Go two or three thousand miles away. Maybe change your name.

Okay, so maybe you don’t have to do anything this extreme, but the underlying meaning here is to not allow life to control you. Don’t allow your circumstances to dictate your mood – you get to decide what type of life you want to live. If your current situation makes you feel anything less than alive and puts you in a bad mood frequently, then change something! It’s never too late to make a radical lifestyle change.

6. Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life.

Time doesn’t stop for anyone, so enjoy your life while it lasts. Bad moods come and go, but you can still find beauty in even the darkest of places.

7. Life is too short to worry about stupid things. Have fun, regret nothing, and don’t let people bring you down.

In short, cherish every moment. Don’t let your bad mood become a bad week, month, or even year. Stop, smell the roses, and open your eyes to the neverending, beautiful miracle all around you.

8. Positive people also have negative thoughts, they just don’t let those thoughts grow and destroy them.

Before your thoughts give you a bad mood, monitor them to see if your thoughts truly reflect how you want to feel. You can transcend those heavy thoughts and bring positive energy to them so that the bad mood doesn’t even affect you in the first place!

9. Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach.

Nature heals. If a bad mood strikes, try to spend some time outdoors – the fresh air, sunshine, and gentle breeze will wash away your troubles!

10. I have a lot to be thankful for.

Gratitude will quickly diminish any negative thoughts inside your mind. Thankfulness for life attracts abundance, which means that bad mood won’t last long if you remain in your heart space and choose to see the good in all situations.

11. Life is better when you’re laughing.

Above all else, remember not to take life so seriously. Laughing literally stops a bad mood in its tracks, so don’t forget to laugh today!

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

7 Signs Your Body Is In Sugar Shock

June 2, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

(9/13/2024 Editor’s Update: Removed content about lemon boosting alkalizing effects. Research is still ongoing.)

Nutrition experts agree that humans consume no more than nine and a half teaspoons of sugar per day. Currently, the average American adult consumes 22 teaspoons daily. The typical American child consumes whopping 32 teaspoons of sugar every day.

Sugar has become an increasingly ubiquitous ingredient in the average American diet. It’s added to practically anything and everything – coffee, doughnuts, tea, cereal, juice – and even bread, meat, and ketchup. The common ingredient makes things taste better, so it’s an easy selling point.

Sugar also happens to be incredibly unhealthy and highly addictive. Some studies have reported that sugar can be up to eight times more addictive than cocaine, in fact.

The History of Sugar

Before the industrialization of food processes, sugar was an extremely limited condiment. For thousands of years, human beings and their distant ancestors lived off the land by hunting and harvesting animals and natural foods.

The industrial revolution and subsequent population expansion led to a demand for quicker, cheaper, and more effective methods of delivering food to the masses. This demand led to food processing, which led to the proliferation of added ingredients – including sugar.

Fast-forward to today, where sugar is everywhere. Adults and children crave sweets, including soda, candy, ice cream, and more. Despite the insistent warnings of public health officials, many people continue to ingest extraordinary amounts of sugar.

The Results of Consuming So Much Sugar

Americans are among the most obese people worldwide and are the most obese people in North America. Currently, at least 35 percent of Americans are overweight. Research shows that children are being affected by consuming so much sugar, too, with more kids than ever being overweight.

Of course, sugar is not 100 percent at-fault for these rising numbers, but it’s certainly played a significant role. It’s played such an immense role that many legislative bodies have outlawed soda machines in public schools. In 2014, the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, introduced an initiative to ban the sale of soda in quantities that exceed 16 ounces at fast food establishments.

The human body isn’t designed to ingest a large amount of sugar. This relatively recent explosion in sugar consumption has created a health epidemic that affects millions of individuals.

Of course, myriad adverse health symptoms have increased along with sugar intake. While symptoms understandably vary from person to person, there are many common side effects of ingesting too much sugar.

Seven Signs That Your Body is in Sugar Shock

1. Spurts of Weight Gain

As we’ve discussed, sugar is a catalyst for weight gain. It increases blood sugar levels, which primes our body to store more fat. Furthermore, sugar does little to nothing to make you feel full. The result is we consume more food and store more fat.

2. Constant Cravings

Sugar is a complex carbohydrate – a type of food that not only stores fat but causes sudden cravings. It is common for those that eat large amounts of sugar to indulge in their habit only to be hungry a short time later. If you desire to feel full for a long time, it is advisable to abstain from sugar.

3. Feeling Lethargic

Similar to caffeine on a smaller scale, sugar can stimulate our nervous system. This short-term stimulation leads to a “crash” that has a suppressive effect on our metabolic system. Also known as reactive hypoglycemia, a sugar or glucose crash creates sudden feelings of fatigue after consuming a large number of complex carbs.

4. Liver Problems

Similar to alcohol’s effect on our bodies, sugar can wreak havoc on our liver function. It is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and excessive sugar intake over a long period can irreparably damage this vital organ.

Interestingly, sugar metabolizes in the liver the same way that alcohol does. The effect can lead to fatty liver, insulin resistance, and abnormal fat levels in the blood.

5. Brain Fog

This symptom can best be described as episodes of suboptimal brain function or “foggy thinking.” There are times when our cognitive faculties are not performing at a level necessary to perform daily tasks.

This lack of performance could be due to several reasons, and sugar is one of them. Many sugar products undergo heavy processing, creating overall feelings of lethargy and periods of “brain fog.”

6. Inflammation

Sugar stimulates the release of free radicals, which adversely interact with proteins in the body. This interaction produces a chemical response that results in inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body. Diabetes accurately represents this reaction because painful inflammation is a common symptom.

7. Other, Unexplainable Health Issues

Granted, this last one is broad, but the truth is that excessive sugar intake is toxic. Anytime a toxic substance is introduced into the human body, countless health problems can surface. These problems are due to sugar directly or indirectly producing systematic, harmful responses in the body.

Many people diagnosed with diabetes visit the doctor with no other complaint than feelings of tiredness. Sugar can be the root cause of anything from obesity to impaired vision or headaches to insomnia. The only way to know for sure is to eliminate or restrict the amount of sugar you ingest daily.

If nothing else, our bodies and minds will become much, much healthier.

6 Natural Sweeteners to Replace Sugar

It can be hard to give up sugar, but there are many replacements to choose from. Using a sugar replacement can prevent sugar shock and other adverse health effects.

1. Honey

Honey is nutrient and mineral-rich, so it comes with many health benefits. This natural sweetener contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, guarding against inflammation. It also decreases your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Some ideas for using honey as a sweetener include:

Drizzle it on fruit
Use it as a glaze
Add it to cereal or toast at breakfast
Use it in coffee or tea as a sugar replacement

2. Stevia

Stevia is extracted from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, and although it tastes different from sugar, it’s a great replacement. The compounds found in the leaves are sweeter than sugar, so don’t use as much as you usually would. It is low-calorie and loaded with nutrients. Stevia can regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, too.

3. Monk Fruit Sweetener

This sweetener is extracted from monk fruit, making it all-natural, and it contains zero calories. It contains mogroside, making it sweeter than sugar, and it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Monk fruit sweetener promotes healthy blood sugar.

4. Coconut Sugar

This natural sweetener comes from the sap of coconut palm. It contains many minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. The best thing about coconut sugar is that it has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a healthy substitute.

5. Xylitol

Xylitol is sugar alcohol extracted from corn or birch wood. Its sweetness is similar to sugar, making it an ideal substitute. It contains 2.4 calories per gram, nearly 40% less than sugar. However, xylitol doesn’t contain fructose, preventing the adverse health effects of sugar.

Xylitol doesn’t increase glucose or insulin levels and can promote bone and dental health. Additionally, it supports your digestive tract with a healthy gut microbiome. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so keep that in mind if you have a pet.

6. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and contains minerals including calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants and other health benefits.

However, syrup does contain sugar, but it is a better option. Don’t consume it in excess, or you’ll increase your sugar intake.

5 Steps to Recover from Sugar Shock

A sugar shock is also known as a sugar crash, and it occurs when your blood glucose is too low. The low blood glucose level happens after you consume too much sugar. It doesn’t feel good, can make you extremely tired, and cause an emotional roller coaster.

When this happens, you can return your blood sugar levels to normal levels quickly by following these steps:

1. Recognize the Issue

Before you can remedy the problem, you must realize what’s going on. When sugar floods your bloodstream, your body releases insulin and suppresses leptin. With leptin suppressed, your brain thinks you can consume more sweets, spiking dopamine and causing blood sugar levels to plummet.

Once you’ve recognized the issue, don’t beat yourself up. Stay positive, remember that you deserve a treat sometimes, and do what you can to reverse the sugar shock.

2. Consume Nutrients

Resist the temptation to consume more sugar and opt for something healthy instead. Consider a spoonful of peanut butter, a veggie-rich smoothie, or hummus with vegetables. Consuming healthy foods afterward can stabilize your blood sugar and make you feel better.

3. Get Moving

When you’re active after consuming sugar, it forces your muscles to use the blood sugar. You don’t have to do anything strenuous, but consider taking the stairs or a short walk.

4. Stay Hydrated

Excessive sugar intake can lead to dehydration. Drinking water helps, but adding sea salt or lemon to your beverage may improve hydration by providing electrolytes, supporting fluid balance, and helping regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.

You can also drink tea with lemon, as they are both diuretics. While you’ll have to take frequent bathroom breaks, you’re also forcing your kidneys to pump blood faster. It eliminates the sugar, allowing you to recover from sugar shock.

5. Take a Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium helps your body process sugar, making you feel better after a binge. Magnesium reverses the effects of sugar shock and improves mood, insomnia, and digestion.

Final Thoughts on Signs Your Body Is in Sugar Shock

Consuming excessive sugar can take a toll on your body. If you notice that you don’t feel well after finishing it, your body could be in sugar shock.

Sugar shock doesn’t make you feel good, but it also causes many health complications. Do what you can to reduce your sugar intake, and consider trying some of the sugar replacements. You’ll feel much better overall when you start living a healthier lifestyle.

7 Things That Make You Less Attractive (And How to Reverse Them)

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

First, it’s important to understand some basic tenets about “ being attractive ” and physical appearance.

#1: Our physical appearance tends to mirror how we feel inside. It’s not just the obvious outward display of laughing, crying, and so forth that show how we feel at any given time.

#2: Physical appearance is not the only factor determining our level of attraction to someone else. Our behavior and how we choose to conduct ourselves have a big impact on whether or not people are attracted to us.

#3: “Being attractive” can be intimate or platonic. It can be felt with either a stranger or a close friend. Attraction, at its core, is a manifestation of our personal energy. Our fellow human beings are either attracted to or repelled by this energy –it is that simple. Others want to be around someone that makes them feel positive.

It needs to be said that this article is not meant to critique anyone’s physical appearance – and certainly is not meant for anyone to critique their own harshly. Instead, it’s simply designed to be an educational piece that may be helpful.

As you read through this list, you’ll notice that the things that make us less attractive are more behavioral.

Here are 7 things that make you less attractive – and how to reverse them!

Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. – Thich Nhat Hanh

1. Making everything into a competition is not attractive

There is no doubt that some competition is good…in the right environment and at the right time. Constantly comparing ourselves to other people, however, is unnecessary. Pressuring others to compete with us when is uncalled for and downright rude.

Why is this not attractive? Because nobody wants to be around someone that is constantly seeking recognition. Success and failure mean different things to different people.

Instead, seek to achieve goals for personal reasons or limit the competition to appropriate areas of life (work, sports, etc.). Remember, goals and achievement should bring about a sense of personal fulfillment, not be used as a reason to feel superior to others.

2. Acting rude toward others

This is a no-brainer: people don’t find rude people attractive. Being polite and cordial is a necessity for any kind of productive relationship. Rude people, for some reason, don’t see an issue with constantly scrutinizing others – and therefore aren’t attractive to many.

Further, it’s not difficult to be moderately respectful to others. As such, there is no excuse to act rudely regularly. No surprise that most people find such behavior far short of attractive.

Even if we don’t “like” someone, we can still be respectful toward that person. If a situation arises, that may cause conflict, simply walk away. There is no need to exacerbate conflict when it can be avoided.

3. Having an attitude of superiority is not attractive

Ever known someone that thinks, for no particular reason, that they are better than everyone else? If so, what did you think about them? Most likely, you didn’t have a favorable opinion.

Someone that looks down on others is not attractive in the worst way. Who wants to be acquainted with such people?

To counteract this, we should remember that each of us is human with different strengths and weaknesses. The odds are that we are more adept in some areas of our lives than others. We’re also likely to have weaknesses that others do not have. Regardless, we shouldn’t judge ourselves or others for perceived strengths or weaknesses.

4. Incessantly complaining

Here’s an experiment: loudly complain about something in public and watch people’s expressions. Yes – that is real disdain on their face.

Not only is obnoxious complaining repulsively not attractive, but it’s also completely pointless. Unless you’re being served somewhere (e.g. a restaurant or bar) and receiving poor service, there are few other reasons to lob complaints.

Instead, seek to have a constructive dialogue with someone. Leave petty complaints and unproductive banter at home. Complaining will accomplish nothing except increase hostility. Not only will you be more attractive, you will lower the health risks associated with complaining.

5. Constantly interrupting others

Interrupting someone is disrespectful and abrasive. As far as behaviors go, interrupting someone is one of the most surefire ways to kill any chances of a relationship. Why would anyone be attracted to a person always inserts themselves into a dialogue or a situation without invitation?

Again…it’s as simple as practicing common courtesy. We should all understand by now how to exercise elementary levels of self-control.

To reverse this habit may be difficult – at least initially. To better ourselves in this respect requires being more conscientious of others. When someone is exercising their right to speak, simply let them finish. Watch their mouth to determine when they’re finished making their point. Also, leave others who appear to be in the middle of something.

6. Not listening when someone’s talking

Communication is one of the most essential elements of any relationship. We expect to be listened to, and others expect us to reciprocate. It’s simply unacceptable (and unattractive) not to listen when someone else is attempting to speak.

Here’s another experiment: when someone is talking – in a meeting, at a table, etc. – look around at what other people are doing. Oddly, at least one or two are shuffling in their chairs, looking at their phones, or chit-chatting with someone else. RUDE!

As with #5, this may be a difficult habit to break. The simplest and most effective way to listen well is to make eye contact while resisting the urge to do something else. Again…easier said than done. Over time, however, the practice of effective listening will become second nature.

7. Making conflict for no reason makes you less attractive

Pretty self-evident here – nobody wants to be around someone constantly stirring up trouble. So, why do some people insist on doing just that? The answer: attention.

Instead of attention, that person is more likely to invoke feelings of disdain. In fact, instead of garnering attention, rational folks will probably just ignore the busybody in the room.

To reverse this behavior, we should all take responsibility for ourselves – and ourselves only. We don’t need to stir up drama to feel important…and it is that simple.

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

5 Signs “The One” Is Still Out There

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

We have been taught to believe in two things: (1) You will one day meet that great “one” who will bring fulfillment into your life; and (2) “the one” is a myth and you need to stop searching for it. Eventually we fall into one of those two categories.

We either believe in a soul mate and profound love, or we give up and settle for whatever comes our way mostly out of the fear of being alone. What are the chances that you will meet the mate of your dreams with all the qualities you have dreamed up since adolescence? Well you can definitely hold on to the belief that there is someone you can love and will forever love you back.

Here are 5 signs that “the one” is still out there:

1. Synchronicity appears often.

There are times that meeting someone is just a step up to then meeting the next person. Don’t allow a sign to go unnoticed. Imagine this: You meet a man on a plane from Australia on the way home from a business trip. He goes back home while you stay in the United States. You keep in touch. You meet another woman from Australia. She introduces you to another person who is in the same type of business as you.

Before you know it, you are guided to visit the Land Down Under. You get there and you meet the one. Had you not entertained all those signs to get to Australia you might had never met this person. Signs come in many forms. The One might just be down the road from you and until you follow the signs to meet you will continue to travel apart. Let your heart guide you.

2. You aren’t pairing up with anyone.

Some of us go through an array of disastrous dates before the one shows up and it’s usually not on a planned event. It could be as simple as the grocery store. You may have spent countless hours, and years, with online dating and one day the right woman shows up at the deli counter. You might have even given up and fallen into the second part of our belief system that a soul mate is a myth.

But, it is exactly then that your “one” shows up to love you. Love has no expiration date. You might have to endure all those others just to get to this one person. This is the place most people feel exhausted and just settle for Mr./Mrs. Right Now rather than wait for Mr./Mrs. Right Forever.

3. Each new relationship teaches and heals you from the past.

You can’t appreciate kindness and true love unless you’ve had some deep heartaches from past relationships. How can you know what you want until you pass those lessons? There is a reason you experience all those relationships. They catapult you into figuring out exactly what you want out of a loving union. You cannot cherish light until you have been in darkness. It’s duality.

4. You feel as if something is missing in your life.

You might not be looking for the one. But there is a feeling of loss that is not clear. You’ve tried to fulfill your life with work, hobbies, travel, and other relationships. You might have been married and now divorced with children. Despite that, you still feel this ache as if something has gone missing. That is “the one” searching for you. The moment you allow for this awareness the universe starts to align with your desires. Let go of old programmings and begin to envision your future partner.

5. You have learned to put yourself first.

The moment you start to love yourself unconditionally, as you would another, the universe conspires to bring you the one who will love you the same way. You cannot possibly love another if you don’t know how to nurture and cherish yourself. Being alone is important. If you are going from one relationship to another without being alone, there is no way you would appreciate that one special someone to enter your life.

Social psychologist, Zick Rubin researched romantic love. He devised questionnaires to assess attitudes towards different types of love. He concluded that love is made up of three elements: attachment, caring and intimacy. Since the beginning of time, we have been searching for love and how to attract the one to us. The reality is that there is no simple formula.

True love does consist of attachment, caring and intimacy, but it also contains a magic that joins two hearts. Personalities, passion, compassion, interests, culture and a million other elements create love. It’s a matter of allowing yourself to believe with the awareness that you have someone out there who is looking for someone exactly like you. Until then, do not settle. Allow yourself joy and experience all that comes your way.

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

Why You Need To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Morning, According to Science

May 31, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Many people quickly classify apple cider vinegar’s medicinal benefits as an “ancient folk remedy.” However, much medical research has been published that demonstrates the effectiveness of ACV in alleviating many health conditions – including obesity, high blood pressure, and others.

Apple cider vinegar is the most popular type of vinegar. As the name implies, cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from the cider of apples.

More specifically, it is made by crushing apples and squeezing the liquid. Common uses include food preservatives, marinades, vinaigrettes, and chutneys (an Indian side dish).

To manufacture this vinegar, yeast, and bacteria are added to the liquid squeezed from a batch of apples. This initiates the fermentation process, turning the sugars into alcohol. The product then converts into vinegar via healthy acid-forming bacteria. This process gives vinegar its sour taste.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of cider vinegar let’s discuss its benefits.

Editors note: Always mix apple cider vinegar with water, drink water afterward, or take in the form of gummies. Apple cider vinegar taken directly over the course of time may cause irritation.

Here are ten reasons why you need to drink apple cider vinegar every morning:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Lowers blood sugar levels

The most potent use of apple cider vinegar is lowering blood sugar levels. In fact, consuming this type of vinegar may help patients with type 2 diabetes.

In one particular study, consumption lowered blood sugar glucose by 19 to 34 percent when eating a high-carbohydrate meal.

2. Helps you feel full

Research has shown that consuming vinegar can increase feelings of satiety, or fullness. Of course, this makes it possible to consume less food – and less calories.

In turn, prolonged consumption of apple cider vinegar can lead to weight loss. In one study, individuals that consumed ACV ate 200 to 275 less calories over a 24-hour period.

3. Reduces the risk of heart disease

Cardiovascular diseases – e.g. heart disease and stroke – are the leading causes of death globally. ACV might reduce LDL cholesterol, a type of “bad” cholesterol that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.

Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant in vinegar, prevents the oxidation of cholesterol particles, which explains how the product can reduce the risk of heart disease.

4. Kills unhealthy bacteria

Vinegar’s anti-bacterial properties are the reason why food manufacturers use it as a food preservative. Further, vinegar has also been used for cleaning and disinfecting a variety of ailments – including ear infections, lice, warts, and nail fungus.

Rumor has it that Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, used vinegar for cleaning wounds over 2,000 years ago. Simply put, ACV is an anti-bacterial agent in a number of different ways.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Heals a sore throat

Sore throats are a nuisance, but research has shown that ACV may help eradicate the germs that cause it. As a potent germ-killing liquid, vinegar can eliminate the infection that causes a sore throat early in the process.

Simply gargle ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of warm water when the throat feels itchy and sore.

6. ACV can prevent indigestion

Warding off indigestion is easy by sipping a simple concoction of cider vinegar before eating. To implement this remedy, simply mix one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture a half hour before eating.

7. Can clear nasal congestion

Speaking of nuisances, it doesn’t get much worse than nasal congestion. The next time you experience a stuffed-up nose, reach for a bottle of ACV. It turns out that because of apple cider vinegar’s high potassium content, vinegar can thin the mucus that accumulates within the nasal passageways. Simply mix a teaspoon of cider vinegar into a glass of cold water and drink.

8. Can eliminate dandruff

Dr. Oz actually recommends ACV as a dandruff treatment, as the product alters pH levels of the scalp. This chemical interaction makes it more difficult for yeast to grow. As a result, it can eliminate dandruff production. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider with ¼ cup water and spray it onto the scalp. Wrap your head in a towel for 15 minutes to an hour, and then wash. The process should be repeated twice a week for optimal results.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar Can clear up acne

As mentioned, ACV is a potent anti-bacterial. Thus, you can apply it directly to the skin for disinfection. Specific acids, such as malic and lactic acids, aid in exfoliation and softening of the skin, reducing acne’s redness effect while balancing the pH levels of the skin.

5 Things You Need To Do To Keep Your Partner

May 31, 2016 by Power of Positivity

So, you’ve found a new lover, and they make your heart soar. In this world, finding someone who complements you and gets you isn’t easy, but keeping your partner around can be even more of a challenge.

Relationships do take effort, and communicating with one another to figure out what you both need to remain happy in the partnership is essential. You might have found someone who takes your breath away, but if you want them to stick around for a while, make these things an integral part of your relationship.

Doing certain things to keep your lover around is essential, but you also want to decide if the relationship is worth working on. In many cases, it’s worth it, but sometimes it isn’t. Once you know what to do to keep the person and if it’s worth it, you’ll know what to do next.

Five Things You Need to Do to Keep Your Partner

These behaviors can help ensure a long-lasting love. Don’t lose who you are in the process, but make your relationship a priority if you want to keep it.

1. Make Sure You Work on Yourself Just as Much as Your Romantic Relationship

To have a successful relationship, you must honor and develop your relationship with yourself. All of the love we experience in life starts from within and flows outward toward others in our lives. The more passion you have cultivated within yourself, the more you can experience and share with others.

Working on yourself might seem like a daunting task, but the rewards you’ll experience make it worth it. Nothing feels as satisfying as growing beyond what you thought possible, and your significant other will appreciate and love you that much more for becoming a better version of yourself.

2. Keep the Lines of Communication With Your Partner Open at all Times

Relationships can’t thrive in an environment where open, honest communication doesn’t exist. A successful relationship requires both people to share their deepest thoughts and feelings.

Don’t feel like you have to hold back to keep one another comfortable. If you have a problem with your significant other, share it with them before it becomes a more substantial issue. The longer you hold something in, the more it will eat away at you.

Your lover should be the one person in your life that you feel you can talk to about anything. So, if you want to keep your significant other, make sure to open up your heart and get comfortable with vulnerability.

3. Explore Ways to Become More Emotionally Intimate

Of course, physical intimacy matters in a relationship, but make sure you nurture the emotional side of your relationship, too. Ask your lover how they feel, text them throughout the day to let them know you’re thinking of them, and have deep conversations often. Pick their brain, and make them feel as though you care to see every thought and emotion running through their veins.

Relationships require a deep bond to last, so make sure you get to know your significant other inside and out and remember to fall in love with their soul as much as their mind and body. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the most successful adult relationships consist of a feeling of closeness and the ability to depend on others for emotional support.

4. Listen to Your Partner, Always

Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your partner around is to commit to listening to whatever they have to say at all times. Once you can learn to quiet your mind and pay attention to what someone else says, you can connect with them intimately.

Listening requires you to drop your ego and remain fully present in the moment. It requires patience and care, unconditional love, and understanding.

In our society, where everyone wants to make their voice heard, the art of listening has fallen to the wayside. If you want a successful partnership, never forget the power of truly listening to your loved one.

5. Accept Your Partner Unconditionally and Wholeheartedly

Also, don’t ever try to change your significant other. You fell in love with them in the first place, so you admire certain qualities about them.

Down the road, you might notice little things that annoy you about them, but loving them requires you to accept them, flaws and all. Embrace both the dark and light parts of your partner, and you’ll have them by your side for a long time to come.

13 Signs You and Your Partner Should Work on Your Relationship

Relationships are complicated, and it’s sometimes tricky to decide whether it’s worth saving. If you and your significant other have problems, you must determine if you should work on your relationship. The alternate option is to walk away, so don’t make your decision lightly.

There will be signs that your relationship is worth saving, making your decision easier. If you recognize these signs in your relationship, you and your significant other should start working on it immediately.

1. You Respect Each Other

If you both respect one another, it might be worth working on your relationship. Mutual respect involves being okay with the differences in how the other thinks and feels.

You don’t always have to have the same thoughts and feelings, but you do have to respect your significant other. A couple should care about each other’s feelings and thoughts, even if they disagree. A healthy relationship requires respecting each other’s minds, bodies, and spirits.

2. Your Problems Are Normal for All Relationships

Every relationship has problems, but it’s sometimes hard to remember that. When things aren’t going as well as they used to, you might think you’d be better off leaving. However, if your problems aren’t specific to your current relationship, it likely won’t do any good to end things.

You’ll leave your relationship only to find that the same problems occur in your next romance. Many of the issues couples face are common in all relationships, despite who the significant other is. Don’t give up on a relationship that only has problems that arise between all couples.

3. Your Partner Doesn’t Give Up, and You’re Willing to Put in the Work

When things get hard, pay attention to how your significant other behaves. If they are always there, even when you push them away, it shows that you have something to fight for. Having a lover committed to making things work shows that the relationship is essential to them.

Your lover not wanting to give up isn’t the only thing that matters. You also must be willing to work on making your relationship better, too. It requires a strong desire to fix things, being open to new ideas and being ready to change behaviors.

However, make sure that your significant other’s intentions are good. If you have someone who doesn’t let go but continually causes harm to you, it’s not a good way for them to hold on. They might pretend that they have changed if they know you’re thinking of walking away, but you must think long-term.

If they’ve made emotional or physical abuse a habit, they’ll likely continue it once they think they’ve convinced you to stay. Of course, if your lover has never harmed you, their persistence and unwillingness to give up could be a good sign.

4. You Can Grow Together

If you and your partner want the same things in life, you can find a way to grow together. You both must acknowledge that you have a future with one another and be willing to do what it takes. Have a conversation about growth and see if you’re both committed.

You and your lover must be committed to growing as individuals, too. You will have things to work on personally, and you cannot ignore those issues.

5. Breaking Up Is Only Suggested When Someone is Angry

Although it isn’t ideal, everyone says things out of anger. If someone mentions a breakup during a heated moment, give everyone a chance to cool off before addressing it. Once everyone is calmer, have an open conversation about the root of the anger.

If you discuss the issue and talk about a way to overcome it, you’ll see if the relationship is worth saving. Threatening a breakup is hurtful, but it doesn’t always mean the person wants to end things.

6. You Can Still Communicate

When a couple can still communicate, there’s a chance of saving the relationship. As long as you and your lover still talk openly, your relationship might be worth working on. Talking about your day, discussing goals and dreams, and asking about the other person’s day are good signs.

If you stop talking, it indicates the end is near. As soon as you stop sharing things, it can wreak havoc on your romance. Please don’t assume they already know everything or avoid talking because you feel that you don’t have time.

Be open with each other when you communicate. Don’t keep secrets or snoop through their conversations, or it signifies a lack of communication. If you can be honest and expect that they do the same, the relationship could be worth it.

7. You Still Have Feelings for Your Partner and Think the Spark Will Return

If you still care about your significant other, you should try to fix the relationship. Your lover might make you angry or irritate you, but you can likely work through the problems. Rekindling the spark can make all the difference, and if you think there’s a chance, give it a go.

With positive feelings and commitment, you can make anything work. Your partner might be one of your favorite people, and if that’s the case, don’t give up too quickly. Work your way through the arguments and flaws, reminding yourself that it’s possible to find the spark again.

When a relationship is truly over, you’ll know it. Things will feel different, and you won’t feel heartbroken at the thought of losing your significant other. If that occurs, it’s likely best to let things go.

8. You Share Values With Your Partner

When you share the same or similar values as your partner, it could be beneficial to work on your relationship. Your values influence your life priorities, and being similar in this regard shows alignment.

You don’t need to have everything in common with your significant other, but core values are essential. Compare how you feel about politics, finances, religion, education, and other vital topics. If there are similarities, the relationship could still work.

When you can live in alignment with your lover, it contributes to your happiness, confidence, and fulfillment. Your relationship may not be worth working on without similar values because you’ll likely never have the same visions.

9. You Can Be Yourself and Be Vulnerable

It’s not always easy to open up in a relationship and share who you are. Being completely honest and sharing your fears, flaws, and secrets is a big deal in a romance. If you can be yourself and be vulnerable in your relationship, it’s a sign that you should work on it.

You won’t find that comfort level with anyone, so don’t take it lightly. Being yourself and opening up your vulnerable side is meaningful. If you and your partner are comfortable enough to be vulnerable, don’t throw the romance away without trying.

Don’t act like someone else or pretend to like things you don’t to make someone happy. Your relationship won’t be worth working on if you can’t be yourself.

10. You’re Invested in Multiple Ways

While you shouldn’t stay in a relationship because you have kids, it is something to consider. Likewise, having pets or property together makes walking away from your relationship harder. If there’s a lot invested in your relationship, it’s worth it to try and work on it.

Take a bit to think about how you want things to go. If you don’t want things to end, it’s worth it to try and salvage your relationship. Don’t force things, but if you can make it work, it’ll be beneficial in the long run.

11. You’re Best Friends

Some romantic relationships start as friendships, and being friends doesn’t always go away. Don’t let go too easily if you still feel like your significant other is your best friend. Try to sit down, discuss the issues, and settle them respectfully so that you don’t lose a friend and a romantic partner.

You don’t have to be quick to get rid of one of your favorite people. Even if they irritate you and things aren’t perfect right now, you don’t have to give up. Take your time and see if you can make things work before walking away.

12. You Can Recognize Your Responsibility

You can’t blame your significant other for every issue in your relationship. Take responsibility for your flaws and shortcomings, too.

Even if you feel like your lover is the reason for your issues, you play a role, too. Always look at yourself to see what you could do differently. Don’t change who you are, but acknowledge your faults within the relationship.

13. You Both Can Forgive

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes, and that is important to recognize in a relationship. If you and your lover can forgive mistakes and shortcomings, you should work on your relationship. Being able to forgive shows maturity and understanding, and it shows that your love is capable of lasting.

When you can understand mistakes and let them go, it’s a sign you should work on things. It shows that you love or deeply care for the other person, and that’s not something to ignore.

Some things are unforgivable, but that’s up to you to decide. It’s likely not the relationship for you if one of you can’t forgive the other.

Final Thoughts on Things You Need to Do to Keep Your Partner

When you know you have deep feelings for your partner, you want to do whatever you can to keep them. If things are going well, it’ll be easy to keep them, but other times you have to work a little harder. Every relationship has problems, but you must decide whether it’s worth working on your relationship.

Figuring out if your relationship is worth saving will help you figure out what to do next. Your issues might be typical of a long-term relationship, or they could signify the end. It’s up to you to determine what to do next, but sometimes you can save your romance.

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