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Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

April 11, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

Anxiety disorders are mental health issues that cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry. The fear comes from a reaction to current events and being worried about future events. These disorders are frustrating for those who suffer from them because they experience constant unwanted thoughts.

While occasional anxiety is normal, people that experience frequent, intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear likely have an anxiety disorder. They will get these overwhelming feelings even during everyday situations.

Anxiety is the result of abnormal chemical activity in the brain. Don’t ignore chronic anxiety, as it can impact your health and overall quality of life. It interferes with your daily activities, and the feelings are hard to control and tend to be out of proportion to the actual event.

Understanding the symptoms and causes can help you identify the underlying issues. Once you recognize the symptoms, you will know to seek a diagnosis and find a treatment method. Anxiety makes it hard to get through the day, but understanding the disorder can help.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can prevent you from living a normal life. They interfere with your ability to work, attend school, visit family or attend family events, and participate in other social situations.

You might notice that you avoid certain places or situations that trigger anxious feelings. Symptoms can start anytime during your life and continue into adulthood.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and potential dangers. For those without disorders, the anxiety will ease once the stressful situation is over. People with anxiety don’t recover so quickly, however.

Not only do anxiety disorders make it hard to recover from stress and danger, but episodes can also occur for seemingly no reason. Sometimes the episodes involve sudden feelings of intense anxiety, terror, or fear that peak within minutes and make it hard for you to function. These severe episodes are called panic attacks.

There are multiple types of anxiety disorders, and identifying the one you have is essential. When you know the type, it can help you find the best treatment option for you. You might have multiple disorders, so make sure your treatment plan is unique to you and not a copy of someone else’s.

Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

The main symptoms of anxiety disorders are excessive fear or worry, but there are other symptoms, including the following common anxiety signs:

difficulty breathing, see a doctor right away if you experience this
shortness of breath
hyperventilation
insomnia, see a doctor right away if you experience this
inability to stay still
lack of concentration or focus
muscle pain or tenseness
headaches
fatigue
panic attacks, see a doctor right away if you experience this
sugar or starch cravings
digestive problems
irritability and moodiness
general sense of panic, fear, or uneasiness
feelings of doom or danger
depression, see a doctor right away if you experience this
numb, cold, sweaty, or tingling feet or hands
heart palpitation
dry mouth
nausea
dizziness or weakness
suicidal thoughts, see a doctor right away if you experience this
rumination
obsessive avoidance
feelings of being nervous, tense, or restless
increased heart rate
sweating
trembling
gastrointestinal problems
being unable to perform daily activities, see a doctor right away if you experience this

Types Of Anxiety Disorders

There are a few different types of anxiety disorders, including these:

Generalized Anxiety: With a generalized anxiety disorder, you will feel persistent and excessive worry without reason, often during ordinary events. Usually, your reaction is out of proportion to the circumstance, but you still can’t control your feeling.
Panic Disorder: A panic disorder brings on sudden and intense feelings of fear that lead to a panic attack. You might break out in a sweat, experience chest pain, and have a pounding heartbeat or palpitations. Additionally, you might even feel like you’re choking or having a heart attack.
Social Anxiety: Sometimes referred to as social phobia, social anxiety disorder is when you experience overwhelming self-consciousness and worry about daily social situations. You will constantly think that other people are judging you, and you fear being embarrassed or ridiculed.
Phobias: When you have an intense fear of a specific situation or object, it becomes a phobia. One example is that many people fear flying, but only some refuse to get on an airplane. Those that avoid airplanes due to their fear have a phobia.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: This type of anxiety is common in small children, but they aren’t the only ones that experience it. If you feel scared or anxious when someone leaves, it could be separation anxiety. You might constantly worry that something bad will happen while they are out of your sight.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted, recurrent thoughts or repetitive behaviors. Common repetitive behaviors include counting, washing your hands, checking, or cleaning. Those with this disorder repeat the behaviors hoping to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but it generally has the opposite effect.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic or terrifying event where physical harm occurred. Sometimes even the threat of physical harm can cause PTSD. Some situations that might trigger PTSD are accidents, violent assaults, natural disasters, or military combat.

Causes Of Anxiety Disorders

While the exact cause is unknown, there is a mix of things that play a role, including:

Genetics: Mental health issues tend to run in families, so if a family member has anxiety, you might develop it too.
Brain Chemistry: When the circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions aren’t functioning correctly, it can cause anxiety. Additionally, long-term stress can cause a chemical imbalance that controls your mood and leads to anxiety.
Environmental Stress: If you have seen or lived through stressful life events, they could cause anxiety. Childhood abuse and neglect, the death of a loved one, being attacked, or witnessing violence are all linked to anxiety.
Drug Misuse or Withdrawal: Substance abuse often goes hand in hand with anxiety. While some drugs can hide or decrease anxiety symptoms, other drugs and alcohol can cause it.
Medical Conditions: Some health conditions can cause anxiety, including heart, lung, or thyroid conditions. Once you treat those conditions, the disorder could go away. Diabetes also has a link to anxiety.

What Are the Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorder?

Risk factors make you more likely to develop an anxiety disorder, and these factors include these factors:

History of Mental Health Disorders: If you’ve ever had another mental health disorder such as depression, it increases your risk of developing anxiety.
Childhood Abuse: If you experienced sexual, emotional, or physical abuse as a child, it increases your risk of anxiety later in life.
Chronic Health Condition or Severe Illness: When you’re constantly worried about your health or the health of a loved one, it takes a toll. It can lead to overwhelming feelings and anxiety.
Being Shy as A Child: If you were shy as a child, you are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. In this case, being shy means withdrawing from unfamiliar people and places.
Low Self Esteem: People who have negative perceptions about themselves can develop social anxiety. They often avoid social events out of fear and worry, missing out on many experiences.
Being a Woman: Women are more likely to experience anxiety, but the reason for this is still unclear. Researchers believe it could stem from the fluctuation of hormones.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?

If you experience any symptoms of anxiety disorder, seek professional advice to get diagnosed. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your physical and mental health history. They will also likely run tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Doctors will consider the duration and intensity of your symptoms when they diagnose you. You must communicate openly so that they know how to treat your condition.

There isn’t a lab test that can definitively diagnose anxiety. If your doctor can’t find a physical reason for it, they may recommend you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. As specialists, mental health professionals can ask different questions and use different tools than your regular doctor.

Your mental health provider will give you a psychological evaluation. During the evaluation, you will discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help identify a diagnosis and related complications.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments

You can overcome anxiety with the right treatment plan. Some of the options include:

Eat a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet can give your body all the nutrients it needs to function properly. It is a powerful way to combat anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Exercise Regularly: Developing a consistent exercise routine can help treat anxiety. Your body will increase its production of feel-good hormones, and you will relieve some of your tension.
Establish and Stick to a Schedule: It can be hard to stay organized when you’re anxious, which likely causes even more anxiety. Establishing a schedule can help you get things done and feel better.
Learn to Manage Stress: Stress management is one of the best ways to overcome anxiety. Learning coping skills can help, or you can try things like meditation and mindfulness.
Get Enough Sleep: Your body requires plenty of sleep to function correctly. If you ensure seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it will help with treating your anxiety.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that teaches you how your emotions affect your behavior. A mental health professional talks and listens to you about your feelings and thoughts. They will suggest ways to manage and understand those thoughts, helping with your disorder.
Stick to the Treatment Plan: If you abruptly stop your treatment plan, it can have unpleasant side effects. It will trigger anxiety symptoms and can set you back on your path to healing.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Caffeine alters your mood and worsens the symptoms of anxiety. Alcohol has the same effect and is also a depressant, so it will make you feel worse.
Manage Your Negative Thoughts: Negative thoughts lead to anxiety, but learning to manage them can help. Replace each negative thought with a positive one, and you can overcome your disorder.
Write in a Journal: Keeping track of your life, triggers, and issues in your life can help you identify problems and address them. Plus, you can talk to your mental health provider about the things you write. When you talk to them, they can help you understand the thoughts you have when you’re alone.

Prevention Of Anxiety Disorders

To prevent anxiety disorders, you can try the following actions:

Get Help Early: As soon as you start to experience the symptoms, seek professional help. Getting your anxiety under control immediately can help prevent it from becoming a disorder.
Stay Active: Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent anxiety. Do activities that make you feel good about yourself and help you enjoy your time. Embrace the social interactions you make along the way, too.
Avoid Alcohol or Drug Use: Alcohol and drugs can exacerbate the symptoms, making the problem worse. Avoiding them entirely is the best bet when it comes to preventing anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Anxiety disorders are hard to live with, but with the correct information, you can overcome them. Learning the types, symptoms, and causes can help you identify mental health issues in yourself or your loved ones. Don’t waste your life away with constant feelings of worry or fear when you can get help.

Talk to a medical professional for an official diagnosis, and then work with them to determine a treatment plan. A combination of treatment options often works best, and it might take some time to find the perfect ones. Don’t give up, though, because you can overcome this hard time in your life.

8 Signs You Have A Gluten Intolerance

April 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Are you struggling with a gluten intolerance?

It is quite common for people to experience digestive and health problems from eating wheat or gluten. Gluten intolerance can result in several symptoms found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye.

Wheat is a type of grain that you will often find in bread, cereals, and pasta. Less-common sources include condiments, such as salad dressings and soups. Barley is another abundant variety of grain, used often in brewing and stock feed products. Rye is the last type of grain that contains gluten. You might find rye in cereals, beer and bread. Consuming these types of foods and beverages is often how one discovers their intolerance to gluten.

Celiac disease is a serious type of gluten intolerance. Classified as an autoimmune disorder, celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine. When those with the disease consume gluten, it initiates an abnormal immune response directly attacking the intestines. Eventually, damage caused to the intestines significantly lessens the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly. If not properly treated, celiac disease can result in long-term health complications. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people suffer from the disease.

Individuals who are sensitive to gluten often find that their symptoms reside after the product is eliminated from their diet. With that said, certain symptoms exist that may show an individual is intolerant to gluten.

Here are 8 signs of gluten intolerance:

1. Brain Fog

One of the more surprising symptoms of gluten intolerance, brain fog, can also be subtle. Brain fog can be one of the more enigmatic symptoms simply because several things can cause it. However, it is a commonly cited symptom of people suffering from gluten intolerance and/or Celiac Disease.

In an article titled Gluten sensitivity as a neurological illness, published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, researchers discovered abnormal reactivity to gluten in a class of antibodies known as immunoglobulin (IgG). In fact, some believe that this reaction contributes to diminished cognitive performance.

2. Unexpected Weight Gain

The sudden, unexplainable weight gain is perplexing to many gluten-intolerant people. Generally, weight gain from gluten intolerance results from two things:

Malabsorption and gut permeability – two side-effects of gluten intolerance and
Systemic inflammation, which is triggered by gluten.

Gluten-intolerant individuals who eliminate gluten from their diet can often revert back to a healthy weight level.

3. Abnormal Immune Function

IgA antibodies, when one is sensitive or intolerant to gluten, have a counteracting effect on the immune system. Found primarily in the gastrointestinal tract and saliva, IgA antibodies are the body’s primary defense against colds, flu, and other illnesses. Obviously, when these antibodies counteract our immune system, we’re much more likely to contract such illnesses.

4. Dental Problems

A 2009 study published in BMS Gastroenterology discovered a link between gluten sensitivity and “aphthous stomatitis” – a condition often associated with recurrent mouth ulcers and canker sores. Furthermore, due to malabsorption, gluten-sensitive individuals frequently have shallow calcium levels. Of course, that mineral is essential for oral health.

5. Headaches and/or Migraines

Migraines are often excruciatingly painful headaches that can even be debilitating. Strangely, migraines are far more common in gluten-intolerant people than in the general population. In one study of a gluten-sensitive group, 56 percent had chronic headaches or migraines. By comparison, just 14 percent of the control group reported chronic headaches or migraines.

6. Skin Problems

The malabsorption properties of gluten intolerance affect several different areas of the body, including our largest organ. Gluten may lead to acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Skin symptoms deriving from gluten intolerance often include burning, redness, rashes, itchiness, and blistering. DH is a particularly damaging condition, defined by the Gluten Intolerance Group as: “a chronic disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters that may resemble pimples or blisters.

7. Joint and Muscle Aches

The inflammatory effects spurred on by gluten intolerance are the underlying reason for joint and muscle pain.

So it turns out that research does show links between the two diseases. The Arthritis Foundation has also published findings that link arthritis and joint pain with gluten sensitivity.

8. Fatigue and Exhaustion

This sign is similar to brain fog in that the exact mechanisms are a mystery. However, little scientific research examined the purported correlation between fatigue/exhaustion and gluten intolerance. However, medical professionals believe that gluten intolerance parallels fatigue through inflammation and the de-allocation of the body’s energy reserves.

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

10 Reasons to Stop What You’re Doing and Love Yourself Right Now

April 11, 2016 by Power of Positivity

In today’s society, many of us are zooming about, trying to manage professional lives and care for our families, while juggling all of the other wild card events in life that are too long to mention. Sometimes, forgetting about it all and taking a few minutes to practice some self-care is simply the best choice you can make. Here’s why you need to love yourself right now:

10 Reasons to Stop What You’re Doing and Love Yourself Right Now

1. Because self-love is self-acceptance

Self-acceptance and self-forgiveness go hand in hand. When you accept yourself, you see yourself as an imperfect human being and you forgive yourself for past mistakes. This forgiveness allows you to make future mistakes without feeling like a failure.

You are not a failure. You should never feel that way. You may have made a poor choice in the past, but you have definitely learned from it in order to be where you are at this moment. Accept and love your imperfections. They are only a small part of who you are.

2. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because you are different from everyone else and you are also just as valuable as every other person

No two people are alike; even identical twins have different tastes, thoughts, emotions and desires. That makes you a very special, valuable, and rare individual. You are like a yet-to-be-discovered gem that is more valuable than a diamond.

Likewise, no other human being on the planet is more or less valuable than you are. You do not think of yourself as more important than another person, no matter how much you love yourself. Loving yourself does not mean that you are full of pride and ego. Someone who loves him or herself would never belittle others to make themselves feel good.

3. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because you have unique talents

There is something that you can do that no other person on this planet can do. That talent might be the way you love and support your loved ones, or it could be your incredible spicy lasagna recipe, but you alone are the person who could put so much of yourself into that handiwork.

4. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because your mind is capable of incredible things

Right now, you should love the fact that you can do whatever you put your mind to doing. IF, for example, you set a goal to climb Mount Everest, and you are determined to make it happen, then there is literally nothing that can stop you from reaching your goal. Your mind can power you through pain, emotional hardship, grief, frustration, and fear.

5. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love attracts love

Loving yourself can assure that you will attract your ideal mate. Self-love opens your heart to the possibility of other-love. Once you have filled your own cup of self-love, you can give love to others without draining your own resources.

This doesn’t mean that you have to be perfect at self-love before you can find love. In fact, you can be a self-love work-in-progress, but start loving yourself now. The sooner you give to yourself, the sooner you can give whole-heartedly to your romantic partner.

6. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love means giving yourself excellent mental and physical self-care

Self-love means good hygiene, good health, feeding your body well, and moving your limbs joyfully. Self-love means protecting yourself from harm and dangerous situations. Self-love means preventing yourself from reaching emotional lows and from self-medicating with alcohol, food or other substances to feel better.

Self-love also protects you from harming others and may be a way for mental health care professionals to prevent violence. In a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that subjects with hidden low levels of self-esteem were more likely to become violent and hurt others.

7. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love connects you to the divine

When you love yourself, you feel a spiritual connection to your inner essence; your spark of life. Your appreciation and love for that spark that makes your heart beat, your consciousness dream, and your soul feel joy is also love for the Creator.

8. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because choosing self-love means making excellent choices

Choosing self-love is not a selfish act. By making decisions that support your needs, you give yourself the gift of joy. Choosing the activities that bring you positive emotions over negative ones is not selfish, it is an act of self-love.

9. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love can make you more attractive

A person who radiates confidence is a person who loves him or herself. This confidence is what other people often describe as a person who exudes a sensual attractiveness. Self-confidence is sexy.

10. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love is a rejection of bad habits and victimization

Whether it’s nail-biting or over-indulging at the buffet, bad habits are a type of self-injury. We cause ourselves harm unintentionally when we do not love ourselves enough.

A study of 7th graders and self-love found that low self-regard contributes over time to victimization by peers. The researchers say “Poor self-concept may play a central role in a vicious cycle that perpetuates and solidifies a child’s status as a victim of peer abuse.” Children who felt little self-love were more likely to feel shunned by peers than when they are “self-protected” by healthy self-regard.

These Things Happen When You Spend Two Hours In Silence Every Day

April 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

In an increasingly noisy, overstressed, hectic world, we hardly get the benefits and pleasure of silence, even within our own minds. Before the modern world, we enjoyed natural sounds in our environment. We had the sounds of a flowing river or stream, the wind blowing in the trees, and the animals frolicking throughout the woods. However, we now hear the sounds of machinery, cars, and technology. Indeed, all these noisy contraptions take away from the necessity of silence. While silence is highly sought after and greatly revered, we don’t get nearly enough of it.

Science stresses the importance of silence for our brain health, hopefully encouraging you to seek a quiet place in nature whenever possible.

Here’s why silence is important for brain health:

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear. – Ram Dass

Silence helps your brain to regenerate cells

A 2013 study published in Brain, Structure and Function monitored mice under the effects of both silence and different types of noise. What they found shocked the scientists – they discovered that two hours of silence per day promoted cell growth in the hippocampus in the brain. This part of the brain controls memory, emotion, and learning.

Researcher Imke Kirste said: “We saw that silence is really helping the new generated cells to differentiate into neurons, and integrate into the system.”

So, science proves that silence can help to restore your brain literally. Does anyone feel a sudden inclination to go on a walk in nature, or is it just me?

Silence allows the brain to store and evaluate information

A 2001 study defined a “default mode” of brain function that showed that even during resting states, the brain actively stores and evaluates information.

Follow-up research found that the default mode allows us to engage in quiet self-reflection. In 2013, in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Joseph Moran et al. wrote that the brain’s default mode network “is observed most closely during the psychological task of reflecting on one’s personalities and characteristics (self-reflection), rather than during self-recognition, thinking of the self-concept, or thinking about self-esteem, for example.”

When the brain rests, it can then internalize and evaluate information in “a conscious workspace,” said Moran and colleagues.

It seems quite obvious that the great overabundance of noise in society doesn’t allow our brain the quiet time they need to process information effectively. This might explain why so many people complain of feeling “scatterbrained,” or complain of brain fog.

Silence can get rid of stress and anxiety

Not surprisingly, the noise exposure can result in elevated stress levels in the body. Of course, that is bad news for our long-term health. The sound waves reach the brain as electrical signals via the ear. In turn, the body reacts to these signals even during periods of sleep. The amygdalae (located in the temporal lobes of the brain), associated with memory formation and emotion, becomes activated during periods of loud noise, which releases stress hormones into the body. If you live in a loud environment, you probably have elevated levels of cortisol in your body.

A study published in 2002 in Psychological Science (Vol. 13, No. 9) examined children’s brains after Munich’s airport got relocated. Gary W. Evans, a professor of human ecology at Cornell University, explained that children exposed to a certain noise eventually learn to ignore it since it triggers a stress response within the body. However, the noise caused the children to ignore annoying or loud stimuli and other stimuli they should be focusing on, such as speech.

“This study is among the strongest, probably the most definitive proof that noise – even at levels that do not produce any hearing damage – causes stress and is harmful to humans,” Evans says.

Silence allows us to think more clearly

Studies have found that noise negatively affects task performance at work and school. It can also cause decreased motivation and increased errors. They also concluded that children in households or classrooms near airplane flight paths, railways, or highways have lower reading scores and slower cognitive and language development.

However, when exposed to silence, the brain can restore itself and recover some of the cognitive skills that have been lost through excess noise.

We hope this article will encourage you to spend some silent time for at least five or ten minutes daily. Finding silence in our increasingly noisy world might prove difficult. Even better, going out into nature a few times a week can help considerably.

These Things Happen When You Try Sensory Deprivation

April 10, 2016 by Power of Positivity

If you’ve been looking for a new way to meditate, you’ll want to consider sensory deprivation. If you haven’t heard of it, just picture floating blissfully in a room filled with salt water. You have total darkness, devoid of sound. The water temperature perfectly matches your skin temperature. The setting tricks your mind into not being able to sense where your body ends and the water begins.

At first, it might seem intimidating to close yourself in from the outside world and experience being alone with nothing but your thoughts and your own heartbeat. But, after a few minutes, your body and mind will acclimate to the sensory deprivation tank. You will slip away into a state of non-being. It’s a feeling you might not have been able to reach during “normal” meditation due to outside stimuli.

These Things Happen When You Try Sensory Deprivation

Consider this 1997 analysis of 1,000 descriptions of sensory deprivation. According to the participants, over 90% found the experience deeply relaxing. But what exactly makes this relaxing, and what happens during sensory deprivation?

Dr. John C. Lilly, a researcher and neurophysiologist working for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the 1950s found a few answers throughout his studies of the brain/mind and the origins of consciousness. He developed the flotation tank to block out external stimulation from the mind and measure the effects of this isolation on the brain.

Flotation therapy originated about a half-century ago. But people have begun to flock to these places because of an increasing interest in mindfulness and sensory deprivation. In addition to the relaxation of total silence and darkness, the Epsom salt packs even more benefits. According to the Epsom Salt Council, applying the salt to the skin can help you to maintain adequate magnesium levels since Epsom salt is high in magnesium, improve heart rate and blood circulation, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, improve nerve function, flushes toxins from the body, and much more.

As far as sensory deprivation goes, many studies prove the benefits of immersing yourself in total silence for a short period of time. Our overstressed and overly loud world wreaks havoc on our bodies and minds. We still haven’t learned to adjust to modern living in our evolution fully. So, with that in mind, the benefits of sensory deprivation don’t seem all that surprising.

Flotation therapy works because the brain doesn’t have to worry about processing visual stimuli. The brain starts to create its own without external stimuli, which can spark creativity and enhance cognitive function. In 2000, one study found that volunteers’ visual cortexes were far more active after just an hour of sensory deprivation.

Another Study on Flotation Tanks

Another study involving forty university students proved the theory of higher creativity after a flotation experience, as their standardized test scores increased with just an hour of sensory deprivation.

Also, flotation tank therapy could help you acquire new skills in a shorter amount of time and boost memory. Research shows that during resting states, the brain continuously goes over newly learned skills and compartmentalizes these ideas for long-term use.

Probably most importantly, flotation tank therapy can relieve stress and anxiety, positively affecting blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels and reducing the amount of ‘brain fog’ people commonly experience. In the early 1980s, several psychologists at the Medical College of Ohio performed experiments that analyzed the physiological responses to Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, or REST. Looking at many flotation sessions, the researchers found that blood pressure and stress-related hormones dropped. Moreover, the benefits lasted long after the participant’s flotation experience. In 2005, a meta-analysis further confirmed that flotation reduced stress more effectively than other popular methods such as relaxation exercises, biofeedback, or relaxing on the couch.

After seeing positive results from these studies, researchers wanted to see whether flotation could help patients with stress-related disorders. Flotation tank therapy was used as the primary treatment for disorders such as hypertension, headaches, insomnia, and rheumatoid arthritis; these studies showed positive effects in small sample sizes. Those suffering from severe chronic pain benefited from weekly REST sessions as well: their pain levels decreased, their sleep improved dramatically, and they reported feeling more vibrant and less anxious.

Final Thoughts on Trying Sensory Deprivation

If you’d like to see how sensory deprivation can benefit you, watch this video of first-timers experiencing it for themselves!

15 Things Introverts Do Best

April 10, 2016 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you count yourself among the introverts of the world?

According to a 1998 National Representative Sample by the Myers-Briggs organization, 50% of the population identifies as introverts. That means you have likely met an introvert at some point in your life, and though they make up a considerable portion of the population, we live in a highly extroverted world. In business, politics, or social gatherings, extroverts tend to take center stage, while introverts prefer to work behind the scenes.

Introverts are highly misunderstood; they might come across as rude, stand-offish, aloof, or just unfriendly in our society. However, introverts draw their energy from within rather than from other people. They require a lot of time alone to recharge, and most people take that as a sign that they don’t want to be bothered and aren’t interested in connecting with others. Introverts love people, but they can get quickly drained from excitement and feel more comfortable in their own company.

Introverts may not be the life of the party, but there are certain things they do better than their extroverted counterparts. We don’t wish to stereotype or rank a whole group of people higher than another but showcase introverts’ strengths and what we can learn from them.

Here are 15 things introverts do best:

1. Listening intently during a conversation.

Introverts care about what other people say (at least, when they talk about brilliant, exciting topics), so they tune into the conversation with every ounce of their being. They don’t just hear what you say – they ask questions to gain understanding, look you in the eye, and make sure you’ve finished what you have to say before responding. They talk less than they listen, but this is why they make such great people have deep conversations with.

2. Being highly in touch with their feelings.

Introverts are very intuitive people and have a knack for being highly aware of their emotions. They might cancel plans if they feel too tired or not up for socializing. But to them, that means they are listening to their inner voice. They don’t apologize for their feelings; they go along with it.

3. Easily picking up on the emotions of others.

In addition to knowing exactly how they feel at all times, introverts can read anyone like an open book. They have an uncanny ability to feel what others think and to empathize with them.

4. Taking time for themselves.

Introverts take a day or two out of each week to recharge, pamper themselves, and truly make themselves feel like the king or queen they are. They don’t apologize for prioritizing self-care and self-love because they know this is essential for thriving in today’s hectic world.

5. Learning to cultivate a healthy relationship with themselves.

Introverts gain their energy from being alone, which gives them plenty of time to know themselves inside and out. They might struggle at times with self-esteem, but at the end of the day, they know that their relationship with themselves is of utmost importance and try to have a healthy one.

6. Making friends with any animal.

Introverts naturally gravitate towards non-human animals, most likely for two reasons: 1) They don’t talk, which eliminates the most challenging component of a relationship with humans. 2) They are cuddly and fuzzy (well, most of them that humans would interact with, anyway), so introverts see this as comforting and healing.

7. Engaging in deep conversation.

If you want small talk, you’d better forget about connecting with an introvert. While introverts can fake the small talk, this isn’t their area of expertise. These people thrive on connecting with people much more profoundly, which means you will never get bored around an introvert.

8. Thinking before they speak.

Introverts mull over what they want to say before speaking and listen to the other person in its entirety before they even begin to formulate a response. This is why some people think introverts are not as good at talking as extroverts since it takes them much longer to gather their thoughts. However, this means they make sure they say the right thing before letting the words leave their lips.

9. Realizing the power of spending time in nature.

Introverts love nature – it provides time for quiet reflection, away from the noise and chaos of modern living. They don’t have to think about talking to people, going to a crowded party, or asking them to step outside their comfort zone. They can be for a while, and they realize its importance.

10. Not being afraid to get creative.

Introverts are naturally creative people. They connect with the arts, reading, innovation, and anything else that requires imagination. While some lean more toward the scientific side of life, they also play an essential role in society.

11. Going within for answers.

Introverts don’t look outside themselves for answers to life’s questions because they know the only place they can indeed find what they need is inside their own heart.

12. Knowing when they do and don’t want to socialize.

Since introverts are highly connected to themselves and their emotions, they have gotten used to the cues their mind and body give them when it’s time to leave a party early or when they don’t feel like going out.

13. Leaving a party early if they feel like it.

As we said, introverts are experts at politely excusing themselves from social events. After a few hours of socializing, it’s about time for some Netflix and ice cream.

14. Using the weekend to recharge.

Unlike extroverts, who probably pack their weekends full of social activities, introverts use this time to recharge themselves for the week ahead. This way, they can feel rejuvenated for the work or school week.

15. Knowing how to pace themselves.

If introverts go out for something one day, they will probably give themselves a couple of days to recharge before going out again. This doesn’t mean they’re antisocial – it just means they require more time alone than they do with others.

How to Tell If You’re an Introvert, Extrovert, or Ambivert

Do you know which personality type you have? Introverts get their energy from being alone, extroverts derive happiness from being with others, and ambiverts are a mix of the two. Below, we’ll go over a few traits of each personality type, and you can decide which one describes you best.

Traits of an Introvert

Enjoys having a few close friends. Studies confirm that introverts are happiest around a small group of friends. They prefer deep bonds with people over superficial relationships and will take time getting to know someone before diving into a friendship. They’re cautious with who they call a friend, but they want someone they can trust and connect with on a deep level.
Prefers being home over going out. Introverts are homebodies most of the time, according to research. They like low-key environments without a lot of excitement and stimulation. At home, they can read a book, draw, write, or whatever other activity tickles their fancy. When they’re out in public, however, their friends may choose a loud, noisy environment that quickly annoys them. Introverts will hang out with friends occasionally, but they still prefer the solitude and peace of home.
Thinks before they act. Introverts deliberate about a decision for a while before acting on it. Instead of jumping headfirst into something, they want to pour over the details and double-check what they’re doing. They’re known for being observant and mindful of their choices, preferring to wait before making their move.
Loves spending time alone. If you haven’t guessed yet, introverts jump for joy at the next chance to spend time by themselves. When they have a few days off work, you can catch them relaxing at home instead of hitting the bars and clubs. They thrive off low-key activities where they can recharge their batteries and take a break from the chaos.
Avoids large crowds and noisy environments when possible. Introverts steer clear of domains that don’t resonate with their spirit. They enjoy quiet places like bookstores, coffee shops, or nature rather than malls and clubs. They don’t have a problem hanging out with friends at a bar occasionally – they need a few days to recharge afterward.
Prefers to listen rather than talk. If introverts are known for anything, it’s their ability to listen and understand someone on a deep level. They like when others talk about themselves since it takes the pressure off and allows them to listen. Introverts usually are more empathetic than extroverts and enjoy getting to know others on an intimate level.
Processes feelings internally rather than talking about them. Introverts also aren’t keen on revealing their deepest, darkest secrets and innermost feelings. They tend to have powerful emotions, so they don’t want to feel vulnerable, even with close friends. So, don’t get offended if your introvert best friend needs time to herself; she’s probably just working through something and needs some space.

Traits of an Extrovert

Extroverts don’t like being alone. Unlike introverts, extroverts can’t stand being by themselves. Since they get energy from other people, they need frequent social engagement to feel happy. As people with high energy, they feel their best when they can converse, laugh, and share ideas with others.
They’re more likely to talk about their problems aloud. Whereas introverts internally process emotions, extroverts often have no problem sharing theirs. They usually have no filter and are known for being straightforward, honest people. Since they like to talk more than listen, it’s easy to spot an extrovert in a crowd.
Extroverts are known for being friendly and outgoing. You can also tell an extrovert apart from an introvert since they’re more approachable. Their charismatic, friendly demeanor gives them a certain magnetism that people feel drawn to. It’s probably their cheerfulness that makes them attractive to others more than anything else.
They’re sometimes impulsive and “leap before they look.” Extroverts usually make decisions on the fly and are known for their spontaneity. They go by their emotions, so they will follow that gut instinct without hesitation if it feels right.
Extroverts love group activities. This personality type enjoys group outings instead of going places alone. Frankly, they need someone to chat with while doing errands as they tend to get bored by themselves. We don’t blame them!

Traits of an Ambivert

Enjoys others but also needs solitude. Ambiverts can act outgoing in a crowd but tend to lose energy after a while. They may need several days to recharge following a night out, just like an introvert.
Can act outgoing in the right setting. Since ambiverts are chameleons, they can switch their personality depending on the environment. If they’re around introverts, they will act more withdrawn and low-key. Around extroverts, they’ll appear more outgoing and friendly.
Can work in teams or independently. An ambivert can work just as well alone or with others in a work or school setting. They’re comfortable taking on assignments alone, but they don’t mind sharing the burden with a team.
Processes feelings both internally and aloud. Ambiverts don’t hide their feelings from others, especially close friends or family. However, they take time to process how they feel internally before sharing it with anyone else.

Final Thoughts on the Strengths of Introverts

Every personality type brings something to the table, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in the middle. Most people fall somewhere on this spectrum, and very few people are true introverts or extroverts. However, if you lean more toward introversion, you have certain strengths specific to your personality.

For instance, introverts tend to listen better than extroverts, getting to know people on a deep level. They’re also highly empathetic and have remarkable intuition, which helps guide them through life. Introverts take their time making decisions, preferring to move slowly and steadily so no detail gets overlooked. This makes them valuable in the workplace since they can make sound decisions for their team or company. Introverts have a quiet, humble power about them that is hard to deny once you get to know them.

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1. Brain Fog

2. Unexpected Weight Gain

3. Abnormal Immune Function

4. Dental Problems

5. Headaches and/or Migraines

6. Skin Problems

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10 Reasons to Stop What You’re Doing and Love Yourself Right Now

1. Because self-love is self-acceptance

2. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because you are different from everyone else and you are also just as valuable as every other person

3. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because you have unique talents

4. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because your mind is capable of incredible things

5. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love attracts love

6. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love means giving yourself excellent mental and physical self-care

7. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love connects you to the divine

8. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because choosing self-love means making excellent choices

9. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love can make you more attractive

10. Stop what you’re doing and love yourself because self-love is a rejection of bad habits and victimization

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Here are 15 things introverts do best:

1. Listening intently during a conversation.

2. Being highly in touch with their feelings.

3. Easily picking up on the emotions of others.

4. Taking time for themselves.

5. Learning to cultivate a healthy relationship with themselves.

6. Making friends with any animal.

7. Engaging in deep conversation.

8. Thinking before they speak.

9. Realizing the power of spending time in nature.

10. Not being afraid to get creative.

11. Going within for answers.

12. Knowing when they do and don’t want to socialize.

13. Leaving a party early if they feel like it.

14. Using the weekend to recharge.

15. Knowing how to pace themselves.

How to Tell If You’re an Introvert, Extrovert, or Ambivert

Traits of an Introvert

Traits of an Extrovert

Traits of an Ambivert

Final Thoughts on the Strengths of Introverts

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