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5 Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes That You’ll Use Forever

May 3, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Ever meet a “Jack of all trades” whose vast array of knowledge of all things is simply astounding? These folks seem to know “everything about everything.” Change the car brakes? Check. Fix the water heater? Check. (Fill in the blank here)? Check.

Of course, these people don’t know everything…but they probably know a heck of a lot more than most do. The simple reason is that these people have a hunger and thirst for knowledge – practical, useful, even money-saving knowledge. Some of this personal knowledge is complex and time-consuming to master… but many of them are not.

We gathered together 5 quick and useful practices in a variety of areas including life skills, self-care and more. These practices are broken down into basic instructions that can be learned and applied within just a few minutes each day.

Here are 5 things you can learn in 5 minutes that you’ll use forever:

1. Learn how to overcome procrastination

#1: Track your everyday activity

#2: Understand that we procrastinate out of habit.

#3: Understand how we create positive habits.

Charles Duhigg, the author of Power of Habit, notes that positive habits are a circular effect that consists of three parts: cue, routine and reward. Simply understanding procrastination for what it is – a habit – while committing Duhigg’s formula to memory is a fundamental, simple lesson in overcoming procrastination.

2. Reduce stress quickly and effectively

– Disconnect the internet, phone and other tech devices.

– Put on a pair of running shoes and jam a favorite tune. Run at the quickest rate possible for as long as possible.

– Perform ten pushups, ten sit-ups and ten crunches then run in place for one minute.

– Take a hot shower.

– Drink a favorite beverage.

– Do a short meditation or other active things you enjoy.

3. Avoid credit card late fees

These tricks contain something of a caveat, but if financially-able and timely, they can save you a decent amount of money in late fees and associated charges.

Option one: if potential late fees are noticed the day after the bill is due, pay the full amount of the credit card and do not use it until the next billing cycle. Generally, no fees will appear on the next billing statement.

Option two: if this is the first or second time paying late, most credit card companies will forgive late fees if contacted promptly.

4. Learn meditation basics

– Find a quiet place.

– Sit in an upright, non-rigid position.

– Breath in deeply and exhale slowly while concentrating on the breath. It may help to mentally count breaths when performing the exercise.

It is completely normal for the mind to wander from time-to-time. When it does, simply return attention back to the breath.

5. Undo a sent email in Gmail

Ever send an email using Gmail by mistake? Turns out there is a simple way to undo this.

Here are the steps:

– Click on the gear icon in the top right-hand corner of the Gmail window.

– Select Settings option

– Scroll down to “Undo Send”

– Check the box next to “Enable Undo Send”

– Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the screen

Each time you send an email from now on, you’ll now have an option to “Undo Send,” which should prevent delivery of the message.

If you enjoyed this list of things to try, please pass it on so we can create more!

Why Sensitive People Are Stronger Than You Realize

May 3, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Sensitive people are some of the most compassionate, kind souls today. They will go to the end of the world to make you happy, making all efforts within their power to bring you to the brighter side of life.

Most of the time, sensitive people are seen as weak and doormats. They appear to be introverts and anti-social people. But, there is so much more to their empathy and generosity.

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

Are you a sensitive person who is emotionally reactive and feels things deeply inside? Do you find being labeled as such a compliment or an insult? It all depends on how you define such characterization.

Some say that being sensitive means you wear your emotions on your sleeve, and this depiction is true for many. However, there’s nothing wrong with being in touch with your emotional side and having heightened sensitivities.

A study published in Comprehensive Psychology defines it as people who tend to process stimuli and information more strongly and deeply than others. As many as one-fifth of the population is believed to have high sensitivity. According to the study, they also notice more subtle stimuli in their environment and have a lower threshold.

If this sounds familiar, you recognize that your senses are finely tuned, and you’ll have a more robust response. Not only are your five senses delicate, but you may have a higher feeling of empathy and intuition. You’re more apt to mirror the emotions of others, especially when they are hurting.

Those who are at times described as being a ‘hot mess’ or having ‘too many issues’ are the very fabric of what keeps the dream alive for a more caring, humane world. Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world.” ~ Anthon St. Maarten

Challenges of High Sensitivity

It’s beneficial to empathize with people who need someone for emotional support. You probably have excellent communication skills and are an active listener. You’re sensitive to their raw emotions, and you are usually present with them without judgment.

However, your hypersensitivity and compassion may quickly overload your mind, and you become an emotional sponge. Instead of being a pillar of support, you may find yourself in the same emotional state as the troubled person. Soon, you’re losing sleep and noticing other signs of anxiety and depression.

Twenty Reasons Why Highly Sensitive People Are Stronger

While overly sensitive folks tend to be high-strung, nervous, and sometimes vulnerable, don’t forget your strengths. The reason that many hurting people come to you is that you’re genuine and care about them. While others are contemplating in the rain, you’re usually the first to discover the rainbow.

You can often focus on non-verbal cues and intuition. While others might consider you quiet and aloof, you listen and absorb the room’s energy. Here are 20 reasons that sensitive people may be stronger than you think.

Here are some compelling reasons sensitive people are stronger than you realize:

1. Sensitive people feel deeply.

Sensitive people have overcome the challenges that could drive them to have multiple addictions to cover up their emotions and past hurt. Their sensitivity has fueled them to keep moving forward while showing the world they have endured and triumphantly gaining wisdom through the pain. The sensitive person will help without needing acknowledgment. Their egos are not the driving force in their lives. They want to repay society for all that they had to endure positively.

2. They love wholeheartedly.

Even though they have been hurt, sensitive people continue to keep their hearts open to the world. When a soul gets fractured, it heals with such intense energy. Sensitive people use this intensity to continue loving and giving of themselves. They have an empathetic gene that knows no boundaries when it comes to love. They know that they will probably get hurt again, but they also know that they will overcome that event with grace. As Nikolay Karamzin said, “A sensitive heart is a rich source of ideas.”

3. They are insightful.

Sensitive people have endured difficult obstacles that have allowed them to partake in amazing causes. The sensitive soul will find a reason to value and protect. They will put that energy into a radical cause for helping humanity. Whether animals, nature, or humans, the empathetic person will stand up for their beliefs. These causes become their children. They are the quiet souls you see feeding the homeless, fostering children, and saving the whales.

4. Sensitive people take risks.

When you feel that you have nothing to lose, you will risk it all. The sensitive person has overcome many obstacles, so what’s one more? They are risk-takers, leaders, and trailblazers. They move mountains, a spoonful of dirt at a time. When another person perceives a locked door and no way to go through a place, the sensitive person will break open a window. They will do this for everyone, and anything, that they feel is an instrumental part of their lives.

5. They are highly creative.

Creativity is born out of vulnerability and complete openness. The sensitive person thrives on creation. They are the artists, the writers, the musicians, the problem-solvers, and the eccentric ones. They know that by creating, they are also moving through the mystical energies of the unknown. Their creativity shows in different parts of their lives. It isn’t just the arts. It’s about getting creative with ventures while inspiring others to utilize their given talents.

6. They have a dynamic sense of problem-solving.

The word “no” is not part of the sensitive spirit of doing things. They move forward with tenacity. No is not an option. A sensitive person will use past experiences to build on for solving an obstacle like climbing a ladder, one step at a time. These people know that not solving a problem is like failing again at something that always has a solution. It might not be right in front of them, but they can climb higher and rise above the issues using that ladder.

7. Sensitive people are detailed oriented.

There is no rock left unturned when it comes to the sensitive person. They know that you have to look at all angles of the situation to succeed. They notice everything. Although they might never mention it, they are aware of every detail in a room, nature, and a relationship. This ability makes them seem perfectionists. Some are. Others not so much. It’s all in the details. The sensitive person is vital because they are presently aware of everything around them and still choose to use this gift to help others.

8. They are in tune with nature.

Sensitive people are prone to avoid large crowds, loud music, and overstimulating anything. They enjoy being alone and do not apologize for this. The sensitive person requires time in nature and enjoys the solitude of those moments. The grounding elements of the earth refuel them. In nature, there is no rushing, no expectations, and no lies. Things flow with natural ease. Being outside, and understanding the environment, provides a meditative state of awareness and strength. It feels right. This is what allows the sensitive person to continue helping others.

Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness. It is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate. It’s not the empath who is broken. It is the society that is dysfunctional and emotionally disabled. There is no shame in expressing your authentic feelings.

9. They’re peaceful and non-aggressive

If you’re hypersensitive, you probably object to violence and cruelty. You’ll be the first to help organize a peaceful demonstration against brutality and hatred. Your kind heart also extends to nature and animals, so you’re probably involved in conservation and animal protection programs.

When you read or hear about people or animals suffering, you cry. You despise anything related to violence, such as gory movies and true crime documentaries. The brutality and pain are too much for you, even if it’s fictional.

10. Sensitive people are insatiably curious

You may have a greater sensitivity than others, but it drives you to find answers. It creates an insatiable curiosity about your world. Some of the small details others miss are often obvious to you.

So, you don’t readily accept the patent answers that others may. Think of world-changers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Madame Marie Curie. Their high spirits kept their minds actively seeking more knowledge.

Hypersensitive people are usually voracious readers. No doubt, you probably thrive on researching a variety of subjects. Other people are often fascinated by how you can speak intelligently about many things.

11. They’re energetic

Some people aren’t fully alive in the morning until after their first cup of coffee. On the other hand, you may drink coffee, tea, or cola just because you enjoy the flavor. It’s certainly not because you need the kick of caffeine for energy.

Hypersensitive folks like you are known for high-strung, exuberant energy. According to an article published by UCLA-Berkeley, hypersensitivity is a red flag for conditions such as autism spectrum, ADHD, and ADD. You may have so much energy that you don’t get the rest and sleep you need.

You’re the person who’s nervously tapping your pencil during a boring staff meeting. Instead of a desk job, you often thrive on a career that keeps you on the move. You’re up for a challenge as long as you can do it your way.

12. They’re comfortable with themselves

If your sensitivity is high, you often crave silence and solitude. It doesn’t mean that you’re antisocial because you can be a social butterfly when necessary. You feel comfortable in your own space, where you can relax and reflect.

It’s this attribute that can boost your creative skills. That’s why many great artists and writers are sensitive people. That sensitive nature brings words, colors, sounds, and other creations to life in their minds.

13. Sensitive people understand the sensitivity of other people

According to the law of attraction, you attract whatever affirmations you send into the Universe. The same law often works for attracting friends or potential romantic interest. People are often drawn to like-minded folks, especially those with high sensitivity.

Maybe it’s because they understand each other at a whole different level. Consider your significant other and your circle of family and friends. How many people have the same hypersensitivity as you?

14. They’re more spiritually in tune

You may be more tuned with your spirit if your sensitivity is high. Perhaps you feel deeply rooted in your chosen faith or other spiritual traditions. You are probably more intuitive and trust your sixth sense.

Those with deep spiritual beliefs often describe themselves as one of the sensitive people. You may frequently use “feel” more than you do “think.” Psychic awareness and spirituality seem natural to you, and there are things that you know.

15. They focus on the bigger picture

Sensitive people don’t dabble in the ordinary. Whether in the workplace or at home, you’re probably focused on the bigger picture rather than the more minor aspects. You’re always seeking to find the “why” behind approaches and procedures, and you’re not afraid to ask questions.

Since your focus is on a broader spectrum, it helps keep you grounded. When others are falling apart in the face of uncertainty, you emerge as a leader. You’ve found that you’re very effective at helping others both on the job and with your family. This is especially true since the little unimportant details do not sway you.

16. Sensitive people learn and grow continuously

A sensitive person often has a thirst for knowledge. They have an inner drive to grow and become someone better. Many often admire this person for their personal and professional accomplishments.

However, it should be noted that sensitive folks often have strong emotions, and they feel that they carry a heavy load at times. Thankfully, once you learn to embrace your hyper-sensitive nature, you can learn to focus on all the positives it brings you.

17. They’ve strong intuition

Most sensitive people have an intuitive side that tells them when something is off. Some call it a gut feeling, but others call it intuition. It’s a voice or six senses on the inside that speaks loud and clear to you.

As an empathetic person, you can recognize things that others don’t, like patterns. This helps in your decision-making process. However, you’ve become entirely dependent on the help you get through life from your inner voice.

18. They can boost your morale

A sensitive person can sense the mood in a room before anyone opens their mouth. They are atmosphere changers as they typically like to motivate others. They have a unique talent for being an emotional coach, and if they see someone suffering from burnout or exhaustion, they know just what to say to help them make it through the day.

19. Sensitive people think before they speak

So many people spill the first thing that comes into their minds. However, sensitive people are a little more careful with their words. They don’t want to offend anyone with what they say, so you may think for a few minutes before answering a question.

20. They know how to put other people first

This trait can be both a blessing and a curse. Sensitive folks tend to put everyone else and their needs above their own. It’s like a parent who buys their children things they don’t need, and they haven’t accepted themselves anything in months.

While it’s good to think of others first, you must also realize the importance of self-care and addressing your needs. If you don’t take care of yourself, you will burn out and won’t be good to anyone.

Final Thoughts on the Strength of Sensitive People

Sensitive people have strengths that they may not even realize. If you’re one, maybe some introspection may help you understand yourself better. Soon, you’ll learn to find a better emotional balance and accept yourself just the way you are.

11 Ways To Attract Your Soulmate

May 3, 2016 by Power of Positivity

It seems that it takes a lot of work to find a soulmate. We go through life with a million expectations of what we want in a partner. That’s why we get on sites for online dating or go to Meet-ups to try to meet someone. We go through countless processing and debating to find that one. It doesn’t have to be so difficult. Your soul mate is out there waiting to align with you.

Here are 11 ways to attract your soulmate into your life:

1. Be happy.

Joy is contagious. We gravitate towards laughter. Joy is a high vibration in our bodies. When we take life with this high frequency we get to attract the things we want. No one wants to be in an unhealthy relationship. Happiness is a fantastic road that forces others to travel along with you.

2. Be truthful.

Do you know what you want in a partner? Be honest of the things you want and those you will not tolerate. You cannot attract your soul mate based on misconceptions and lies. You need to be honest and truthful with yourself. Thus, you are the only person who knows what you can live with and those things you cannot.

3. Don’t settle for right now when seeking your soulmate.

You cannot attract your soul mate if you are entertaining someone in the meantime to fill an empty space. You are not required to be alone forever, but the universe cannot provide a life partner while you are holding on to someone that you know is not right for you. Let go of the idea of loneliness.

4. Use visualization.

We all have an ideal persona of what we want in a mate. Use this to attract your soul mate. Make a vision board. Write down in a journal the qualities you want in your partner. Make clear intentions of what you want as a lover, a partner, a friend, and a parent for your children (those you have and those you want in the future).

5. Before you look for your soulmate, heal past wounds.

You cannot attract a healthy relationship when you are carrying the wounds from an old relationship. You cannot feed love into a partnership when you are still hung up on someone else full of resentments and regrets. Those things will not allow for a wonderful person to partake in your life. You might just be attracting the same type of person, repeating the same painful lessons.

6. Make your life a playground.

You must play alone in order to share with another. Enjoy the ability to be with yourself. Get creative. Take classes and pick up a hobby that enriches your soul. Another person is not going to cure you from loneliness. It might even exaggerate those emotions. You have to learn to entertain yourself and enjoy the childlike moments that are fragments of your wholeness.

7. Forgive yourself.

Why is forgiveness important when attracting a soul mate? Because forgiveness sets you free. It allows your vibration to rise and feel no more pain. Forgiveness is never for another. It is an act of letting go of all past emotions and what drama you played in the past. It’s okay. You are okay. Forgiving yourself makes room for true love.

8. Make room in your life for your soulmate.

This is literally and metaphorically. If you want a soul mate you have to make room in all aspects of your life. Clear out a drawer in your bedroom, make room for another person’s clothes in the closet. De-clutter your life mentally and physically. You attract whatever you put out there. If there is no room in your house for someone else how can you expect the universe to align with the right person who will be taking part of your home and your life?

9. Let go of expectations.

No two relationships are the same. Your high expectations of what you will find in a relationship are irrational and will stop the flow of true love. Expectations are dangerous. They are part of a controlling mind. You cannot expect perfection. You can only attract who and what you are. The more loving you are, the more love you attract. Likes attract likes. You cannot be disappointed if you have no expectations.

10. Listen to your intuition.

This is a huge part of your life. Your intuition is an internal GPS guiding you towards the highest good. If you meet someone and it doesn’t feel right or easy, that’s not the person for you. Follow your gut. Your internal guidance will align with the right person. And, when you finally meet that person you will know he/she is your soul mate.

11. Be the love you are wanting to give another.

Love is a seed of hope and grace. When you love and respect yourself to the highest level, another person will love and respect you for it. Do not substitute lust for love. Do not settle for anything less than the way you love yourself. Giving yourself worth attracts another to treat you with utmost love and appreciation. You deserve the acknowledgment, acceptance and unconditional love out there. It all starts with you.

These TWO Ingredients Can Restore Hearing Loss

May 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

The number of individuals with some hearing loss is astonishing. Consider these stats:

About 15 percent of American adults – or 37.5 million – aged 18 and over report some type of trouble hearing.
About 9 percent of adults aged 55 to 64 have disabling hearing loss. Nearly 25 percent aged 65 to 74 do, and approximately half of those aged 75 and older are diagnosed with disabling hearing loss.

There are plenty of reasons why hearing loss numbers are so high. The NIDCD reports noise exposure as the number one reason, and the aging of the population is a close second. One prominent health official says: “It’s a very, very sad situation, especially since hearing loss is underestimated, misunderstood, and generally ignored as a real problem.” Indeed.

After all, losing the ability to hear often results in unfortunate circumstances aside from losing one’s hearing. According to the Better Hearing Institute, those with impaired hearing can become isolated and depressed. Hearing loss also connects to cognitive defects, which can seriously affect one’s personal and professional life.

An Alarming Trend in Hearing Loss

A among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who may benefit from hearing aids, less than 30 percent have ever used them. Just 16 percent of adults aged 20 to 69 that may benefit from a hearing device have ever used one. Why? Costs, most likely. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for those above age 65, doesn’t cover any costs associated with hearing aid exams, fittings, or devices.

The costs of hearing aids are indeed prohibitive to many – ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 per ear – and many individuals with hearing problems end up having to get one device for each ear. Further, hearing aids aren’t designed to last a very long time. In most cases, these devices need to be replaced every few years.

These Two Ingredients Can Restore Hearing Loss

Before we delve into the potential hearing benefits of a simple recipe, it is crucial to understand that this is not designed as a “cure-all.” In other words, while this recipe may indeed be helpful for many, it may still be necessary to consult with a medical professional. This is particularly true in the case of progressive hearing loss.

So what is it?

Garlic and onion juice. That’s it.

Why garlic and onion juice?

Onion is considered a potent natural remedy for those suffering from hearing loss. Mechanistically, some believe that an onion’s antioxidant properties can aid with ear trauma sustained from blasts and air pressure changes.

In one study, researchers discovered that individuals who had sustained cochlear damage and hearing loss from exposure to a blast recovered quicker when consuming an onion/water combination.

Many people that suffer from hearing loss swear by the inclusion of garlic in their diets. This insight is less than surprising when considering the plethora of garlic’s health benefits. Consider that garlic can achieve these outcomes: suppress colds, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, prevent cognitive defects, and even extend one’s life!

Hearing-wise, it is believed that garlic may help combat hearing loss by increasing blood flow and restoring health to the cochlea – the sensory organ responsible for converting sound into nerve impulses. A healthy cochlea is necessary for transmitting sound impulses to the brain for conversion.

Recipe to Help Hearing Loss

This garlic and onion juice recipe is quick and straightforward. Here’s what’s needed:

A few garlic cloves
A tablespoon of olive oil
15 ml of onion juice
A dropper
Gauze or cotton balls

Directions:

Pour the olive oil into a cup
Squeeze the juice from each garlic clove into the cup
Mix in onion juice
Using the dropper, place about three or four drops into each ear
Cover each ear with gauze or a cotton ball

BONUS (simple!) recipe:

Mix thirty ml of onion juice and thirty ml of garlic juice and drink the concoction once daily.

14 Things That Cause Hearing Loss

Do you often need to ask people to repeat what they’ve said because you can’t hear them? Maybe you’re plagued by a chronic ringing in your ears called tinnitus. Here are 14 everyday things that can risk your hearing.

1. Chronic Loud Noise at Work

If you work in construction, manufacturing, or farming, you know that loud noise from machines and vehicles is inevitable. Chronic exposure to this occupational noise can cause auditory nerve damage and hearing loss. An article published by the University of Rochester states that wearing earplugs or headphones can protect your hearing.

2. Recreational Noise

Your job isn’t the only place that has ear-splitting noise. Some of your favorite recreational activities and hobbies may also be hazardous to your hearing. These include motor vehicle sports and any hobbies that use loud machinery.

Do you like to crank up the volume of your music? Maybe you’ve been to music concerts where the speakers made the ground rumble. Such blasts can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss.

3. Heredity

Have you often blamed your genes for characteristics you don’t like about yourself? The argument may work on body shape and predisposition to certain medical conditions. If you have issues with your hearing, it may be hereditary, explains an article published by the CDC.

It’s most likely the case if one or more of your family members have the same hearing problems. In 70 percent of cases, such genetic mutations don’t include other symptoms. It affects the genes responsible for developing your cochlea, a significant component of hearing.

4. Certain Prescription Medications

Like most people, you’re probably tired of seeing those perpetual pharmaceutical ads in the media. The list of possible side effects can seem intimidating, especially if you take the medication. You’ll hear about every possibility, from dry mouth to cancer and even possible death.

You may not be aware that some medications may adversely affect your hearing. They can potentially cause temporary ringing in your ears, called tinnitus. Or some prescriptions put you at risk for permanent hearing loss.

Remember that medications affect people differently, and side effects can vary. Common drugs that may cause hearing issues include certain chemotherapies, diuretics, and high doses of pain relievers. Talk to your pharmacist about your medications and potential hearing risks.

5. Aging

One of the downfalls of enjoying a long, fulfilling life is the effects of aging. You may still feel like a teenager in your mind, but your body and the mirror tell you differently. You notice more aches and pains, and everyday tasks become more of a challenge.

Your hearing is also affected as you get older. The structures inside your inner ear wear down with time, and you don’t hear as well. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, 25 percent of seniors 65 to74 experience this condition.

6. Specific Illnesses

Some illnesses and diseases are notorious for causing dangerously high fevers. These temperatures can damage the cochlea, resulting in a loss of hearing. These conditions may include infections, meningitis, influenza, and blood clots.

In the past, scarlet fever was a leading cause of childhood blindness and deafness in people such as Helen Keller. Fortunately, today’s medications have reduced scarlet fever cases. Still, these other conditions have the potential to damage your hearing.

7. Sudden Loud Noise

There’s a good reason people wear protective earphones when practicing on a firing range. Sudden blasts of loud noises from a firearm or fireworks can lead to immediate ear damage. While some loss of hearing may be short-term, it can often last a lifetime.

8. Diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to debilitating damage to your body, including your hearing. According to an article published by the American Diabetes Association, 34.5 million out of 37 million diabetics have hearing issues. According to the report, pre-diabetics are 30 percent more likely to have hearing problems than regular blood sugar.

9. Chronic Sleep Deprivation

You already know that not getting enough sleep can make you feel like a zombie. The following day, your brain is in a fog that will only lift after the first cup of coffee. But did you also realize that chronic sleep deprivation can affect your ears?

If you don’t get enough shuteye, you’re more likely to experience tinnitus. While it’s usually temporary, it can cause your anxiety to overdrive. The more chronic the condition becomes, the more likely it can permanently affect your hearing.

10. Smoking

The same toxic tobacco smoke that damages your lungs can damage your ear canals. Over time, nicotine can interfere with the nerves that transmit sound to your brain, which results in hearing loss.

11. Stress

Your body responds to stress by dumping hormones like adrenaline and cortisone into your bloodstream. It gives you the temporary strength boost to preserve your life when threatened. However, chronic stress can wreak havoc on you physically, mentally, and spiritually.

It can lead to high blood pressure, which is known to cause damage to auditory blood vessels. You can experience that annoying ringing in your ears or permanent hearing loss. Finding healthy ways to reduce your stress can help save your hearing.

12. Poor Eating Habits

Your body needs vitamins, minerals, and other food nutrients for optimal health. If your diet is lacking, it can affect your blood circulation throughout your body, including your ears. Consuming too much fat, sugar, and processed junk food can also be detrimental to auditory health.

13. Allergies

Do you have allergies that affect your activities for daily living? You may notice that when you have congestion, sneezing, and coughing, it affects your ears. Allergies can lead to serious sinus infections that cause hearing problems if left untreated.

14. Extreme Exercising

Trying to protect your ears is not an excuse to avoid exercise. Your body needs moderate exercise to stay healthy. However, extreme physical activity can cause more harm than good.

Prolonged and strenuous exercise can put harmful pressure on your inner ears. While it usually results in temporary tinnitus, it has the potential for more lasting auditory damage. You may be even more at risk if you’re blasting high decibel music while working out.

Final Thoughts on Hearing Loss

Could you imagine going through life without the blessing of hearing? While some hearing loss risks are natural, most can avoid them by protection. Taking care of your ears is something that you’ll never regret.

7 Signs of Trust Issues In Your Relationship

May 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Issues of trust in your relationship can negatively affect the bond that you have with your romantic partner. Trust is so important for a committed relationship that it is almost how we define a relationship.

A study of young adults who were dating found that ‘Young adults explained they would know that they were in a romantic partnership if they were in a committed relationship that was exclusive, and if they trusted their partner. The emphasis placed on these three characteristics showed that young adults strongly value these relationship characteristics.’

Your partner in your relationship should be your closest friend, someone you can say anything to without worrying about judgment. And your partner should be able to open up to you about anything.

If you’re reading this article, you might have picked up on some clues that your partner might not be telling you the whole truth. Maybe you see things that aren’t there, or perhaps you’re seeing one of these seven signs of trust issues in your relationship.

7 Signs of Trust Issues In Your Relationship

1. Lack of emotional attachment

Your partner has trust issues if they cannot open up to you emotionally or if they are not supportive of your emotions when you need them to be.

2. Something’s worrying you

We pick up on subtle cues throughout our day. These could be a strange word used in conversation, a blink or eye twitch, or defensive body language that strikes us in our gut as odd. Later, often, while we are preparing for sleep, we worry over these small details and wonder if the whole truth is being revealed when our partner talks to us.

3. Your partner is gone without explanation

Not that you would track their movements around, but when your partner goes places, they never share with you where they’ve gone, what friends they were with, or if anyone made a pass at them while they were out.

Your partner should give you the respect of giving you a brief description of their comings and goings without you while having to feel interrogated, and you should also feel able to be comfortable that they weren’t out having an affair.

Is this a trust issue on your part or your partner? Who isn’t trusting whom? This might be a relationship problem that requires the help of a licensed counselor to help you resolve things and open the lines of communication and trust.

4. Lack of support during crisis

The last time something terrible happened to you, your partner was not there by your side, lending emotional support. Or maybe you noticed that they brushed you off with a that’s terrible but never offered a shoulder to cry on, let alone any help.

Your partner should be your rock to rely on when you have a problem. They should have your back, but when you have trust issues in your relationship, your partner may try to pull away from becoming emotionally involved.

Your crisis is a time of high emotions, at least for you. For someone who can’t open their heart and trust, it’s time to withdraw rather than show emotion.

5. Your partner has broken someone’s trust before

Lack of trust is a type of fear. You or your partner may fear being emotionally hurt or hurt in other ways. When you trust someone with your heart, finances, etc., you are vulnerable to the potential that your partner may not act in your best interest.

If your partner has been a cheater before, it could be a pattern of behavior and a sign that you might still need to deal with trust issues. A cheater is capable of change, but only if they want to change the behavior.

6. You wish you had someone to talk to

Your partner should be THE person you are talking to about anything troubling you. The problem here is that, most likely, it is your partner’s behavior that is troubling you.

7. You’re making plans for what your next move is

Without trust in your relationship, you have probably already thought about how to find someone you can trust. Perhaps you confide in a trusted colleague at work, who you also find attractive.

Researchers in the Journal of Socio-Economics say, ‘Marriages are good when the spouses trust each other. If a wife loses trust in her husband (usually if she no longer believes he is acting unselfishly), she often files for divorce.’

Hopefully, you aren’t on the outs, but if there are significant trust issues, you may notice that your partner is spending more time caring for their appearance lately; new clothes, hairstyle, workout, etc. can all be signs that your mate is preparing to be back on the dating scene again.

Do You See Dragonflies Often? This Is What It Means…

May 1, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Like the butterfly, the dragonfly is associated with light, transformation, and personal growth. If you see dragonflies often, you must look within and see what areas you could possibly improve on. Further, you should explore what you can shed to bring more light and freedom into your life. The dragonfly symbolizes great transformation and personal growth. Additionally, it invites you to dive into your emotions for a fuller understanding of yourself and your personal journey.

Dragonflies change direction quickly and seemingly fly without any effort at all. So, we can learn adaptability, lightheartedness, and flexibility from this gentle creature. Seeing dragonflies often may also point to a great metamorphosis coming up in your life. Pay attention to the animals and signs around you, especially if you see dragonflies often. Indeed, the universe is trying to teach you powerful lessons.

If You See Dragonflies Often, This Is What It Means

1- Show your true colors with pride

Dragonflies often have varying colors, depending upon which angle you look at them. When they glint in the light, the winged insect will appear a different color than if they stayed in the shadows. So, this symbolizes the need to show your true colors more, and stop trying to hide your best self from the world. Also, it can be interpreted to become more flexible and adaptable, so that you can adjust to new environments quickly.

2 – Dragonflies remind us to take out time to enjoy the moment

Dragonflies have a sweet, gentle nature about them, and can seem somewhat whimsical. They show us to approach life like a child, and not stay trapped in one place for too long. Dragonflies move fast. But they stop every so often to take a break and refresh their energy. We could learn a lot from the dragonfly in our increasingly fast-paced, chaotic world.

3 – Expect abundance in life

Furthermore, dragonflies have been associated with joy, light, and abundance. You can take this one of two ways – either you have recently been blessed with something and the dragonflies have come to remind you of your blessings, or the universe has wonderful plans for your future. Either way, remember to always express gratitude and focus your mind on the positives in life.

4 – Dragonflies remind us to stay attuned to our feelings

You will notice dragonflies tend to hang out around ponds or other waterways, and water symbolizes emotions and depth of character. Seeing your spirit animal might mean that you should stay in tune with your emotions, and not feel afraid to show parts of yourself that you have previously hidden away.

5 – Change is inevitable

More than anything, it signify transformation, as their colors change as they mature. Like the dragonfly, you too must shed your old skin and transform into a new, more aware being as you gain experience and wisdom. The creature invites us to question our place in life, and not feel afraid to discard our old identity if it no longer serves us.

6 – Dragonflies can signify a need for self-care

Use this spirit animal during times of transition or deep emotional cleansing. Call upon one of these graceful creatures when you feel the need to dive within to understand yourself better, or when you feel the need to go through a transformation of the self. Also, if you feel that you’ve been hiding parts of yourself from the world, the dragonfly can help you to emerge authentically and get rid of anything that no longer serves your best self.

Final Thoughts on Dragonflies

As with any other animal totem, dragonflies will show up when you need a sign from the universe to assure you that you’ve chosen the right path. The creature represents a variety of different meanings and perspectives, but no matter what path you’ve chosen in life, it can provide you with comfort and stability along your journey. The dragonfly wants you to remember to approach life with a light heart, an open mind, and the bravery to change if you feel the need to.

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