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This Is What Happens to Your Body When You’re Always On Your Phone

February 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

You would be hard-pressed to go anywhere without seeing at least one person glued to their cell phone today. Almost every person on the planet owns a cell phone of some sort, and according to the Morningside Recovery Rehabilitation Center, there are approximately six billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide. Most people don’t just use cell phones for texts and calls anymore, either; phones constantly ding and ring with notifications from emails, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Also, with the advent of apps for games, parents often give their children a cell phone in public places to keep them entertained and avoid acting up. Of course, cell phones can help us stay in touch with one another. However, they also have a dark side to them that we should all be aware of. Cell phones emit radiation, as they are radiofrequency transmitters. Although they operate at low frequencies, excessive exposure to cell phones can cause long-term health problems. Some predict that overuse can seriously inhibit your quality of life.

Here’s what happens to your body when you stare at your cell phone too much:

Negatively affects emotions and can cause antisocial behaviors.

According to a study performed at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, participants felt negative feelings toward the person they were having a conversation with when a cell phone was visible. Researchers asked 34 different pairs of strangers to discuss both minor topics and important personal events that occurred in their lives. Half of the participants had a mobile device present while the others had a notebook out on the table.

The results showed that the people who discussed serious events in their lives with a notebook visible felt trusting and close to the stranger, unlike those who had a cell phone present.

This directly proves that cell phones can interfere with relationships, especially if people are having a heart-to-heart conversation. Not to mention, using cell phones excessively can promote antisocial behavior and cause people to lose valuable social skills.

It elevates stress levels in the body.

The incessant ringing and dinging of cell phones and our impulses to check these notifications can cause detrimental levels of stress within the body. A study performed at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that women who used their phones excessively were prone to sleep disturbances and stress, while high mobile use in men was linked to depression and sleep interruptions.

Constantly checking our phones has taken us out of the present moment and made us anxious about the future with thoughts of who will call or text us next, or if our boss might send us an important email soon. We have become slaves to our phones. But one way to reverse this behavior is to have set times each day to check your cell phone. Don’t deviate from the schedule, and you will soon see that your stress is more manageable. In addition, you will have a lot more free time to do other things you enjoy.

Weakens the immune system.

Did you know that cell phones can contain more germs and bacteria than those found on a toilet seat? According to a study performed at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London, scientists took samples from 390 different cell phones and hands to measure bacteria levels. They found that 92 percent of phones had bacteria on them, as well as 82 percent of hands swabbed. 16 percent of cell phones and hands had E. Coli. However, you can lessen the number of bacteria on your cell phone by simply using it less/ Besides that, engage in washing your hands more often.

Increases your risk of chronic pain.

According to studies done by researchers from Sweden, excessive texting in particular can cause long-term neck, back, and hand pain. Doing anything repetitively can irritate the tissues in the body, therefore causing inflammation, which in turn results in pain. Texting usually requires the thumbs. Thus, inflammation of the basal joint at the base of the thumb can result in arthritis due to the wearing down of joints. Back and neck pain result from texting in a hunched-over position, which leads to poor posture. Many people have their phones at a 60-degree angle. But this position equals approximately 60 pounds of pressure on your neck and spine.

To correct this, try holding your cell phone out straight in front of you. Plus, you should make sure to stretch your neck and back muscles frequently.

Heightens your chances of experiencing vision problems.

While this one might not be as surprising, it is quite shocking that many people know about the correlation between vision problems and excessive use of phones and computers, yet do little to nothing about it. According to The Vision Council, upwards of 70 percent of Americans either don’t know or deny that they can experience vision problems from staring at screens for long periods of time.

Make sure to take frequent breaks from your cell phone, and try not to squint or strain your eyes when reading messages.

10 Life Lessons to Learn From A Strong Woman

February 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Strong women have an important role in our lives as mothers, teachers, sisters, lovers and more, and we are so thankful for everything that we’ve learned from them. Whether you had a strong mother who showed you unconditional love or a strong female role model who helped you to find yourself, most of us know a woman who had an impact on our lives. Here are ten wonderful things that you can learn from having a strong woman in your life.

10 Things You Can Learn From A Strong Woman

1. A strong woman will teach you courage.

‘Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.’ – Helen Keller

If you are able to stand strong in the face of danger, you probably have a strong supportive woman to thank at least in part for showing you what courage is. Mothers show us that we are still secure as we step away from them and they also show us how to dust ourselves of after a fall and try again.

2. A strong woman will teach you to love yourself.

‘It’s not your job to like me, it’s mine.’ – Byron Katie

Self-love is a skill that will take you far in your life. If you can love, respect and forgive yourself, you probably have a strong woman to thank who taught you to love yourself.

3. A strong woman will teach you to be independent.

‘I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on Earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.’ – Susan B. Anthony

As you already read in our article 9 Things Never to Say to a Strong Woman, there are some things that an independently minded woman does not want to hear from you, for example ‘You can’t do that.’ Strong women can do anything that they set their minds to and if you believe that about yourself, you may have learned that from another strong woman.

4. A strong woman will teach you to choose kindness.

‘Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.’ – Mother Teresa

There is a tradition in Chinese Buddhism called ‘filial piety’ which is the ‘virtuous act of being good to one’s parents; being respectful and courteous to one’s parents in honor of realizing and repaying one’s parents’ immense kindness and love for their child.’ The idea of repaying your parents and especially your mother or other strong female role models for their support is an attitude of gratitude that other cultures can embrace as well.

5. A strong woman will teach you how to trust your gut.

‘Never apologize for trusting your intuition. Your brain can play tricks, your heart can be blind, but your gut is always right.’ – Rachel Wolchin

Intuition will take you far in your life if you learn to hear what your gut is telling you. Women are tuned into when their inner Spidey Senses are tingling. If you can trust your gut, you probably have a strong woman to thank for learning this ability.

6. A strong woman will teach you to be a mother to others.

‘A woman is the full circle. Within her is the ability to create, nurture, and transform.’ – Diane Mariechild

The female role models that you’ve had have shown you how to demonstrate caring for others with your actions. Even if you are not a parent yourself, thanks to a strong woman you know how to embrace other people, support them in their growth, and then watch them as they go out and apply what they have learned on their own.

7. A strong woman will teach you to create happiness.

‘You grow up the day you have your first real laugh at yourself.’ – Ethel Barrymore

You can find happiness and joy anywhere, if you know how. Learning this skill from a strong woman is something that you can use many times a day by embracing the humor of a situation.

8. A strong woman will teach you that emotions are powerful.

‘Never be ashamed of how you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion you want.’ – Demi Lovato

Feeling emotional is not a weakness, it is a strength when you use those feelings to understand yourself. Anger, fear, joy and sadness often appear when you experience something that is important to you.

9. A strong woman will teach you to have faith in yourself.

‘The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish, and what your potential is.’ – Anne Frank

If you can read this, thank a strong woman. Researchers find that investments in education for women are important because mothers teach their children literacy, which then impacts the availability of educated people in the workforce. You are capable of things beyond measure and that learning potential is all likely thanks at least in part to a strong woman.

10. A strong woman will teach you how to love unconditionally.

A study of maternal love in the brain compared to romantic love revealed something touching. Brain areas that are active in romantic love are the same areas that are active in maternal love. So it turns out that your mom may have been in love with you.

In a brain scan experiment, the researchers asked mothers to look at photographs of their own child, photographs of another child of the same age that they knew, and photographs of another person they were acquainted with. Results showed brain activity in the same brain areas active with previous research subjects who were in passionate love. Read our guide 21 Things to Expect When Dating a Strong Woman if you are yourself a strong woman or if you hope to love a strong woman someday.

This New Technology Can Completely Clean Arteries

February 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Atherosclerosis is a dangerous condition resulting from plaque deposits inside your arteries’ walls. This plaque buildup prevents delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart, brain, and other vital body areas, potentially resulting in heart attack, stroke, or even death.

In advanced stages, atherosclerosis can be very difficult to treat. Before, the hardened plaque was nearly impossible to remove, and treatment was limited to risky procedures. The precarious areas where this buildup often limited available treatments and made the procedure more difficult.

However, this new technology can “eat” harmful arterial plaque and completely clean your arteries:

Then came the advent of a surgery called atherectomy (at-her-ec-toe-me), a minimally invasive procedure that can potentially treat advanced atherosclerosis. As opposed to traditional procedures, such as angioplasty and stents, atherectomy removes plaque buildup instead of simply moving or removing it.

A severe narrowing of the arteries must exist for someone to be a good candidate for the cutting-edge procedure. If not, traditional surgical methods such as angioplasty or stenting would be used. Further, bypass surgery must not be an option. In other words, atherectomy is a last resort, albeit probably the safest “last resort” procedure in history.

Doctors generally perform atherectomy when angioplasty or stenting is not an option. This determination is made with a few variables in mind – anatomical features, location of the blockage, or plaque hardness is usually a determinant. Atherectomy can also be used as a complementary procedure to traditional surgical methods, potentially increasing the odds of success.

How doctors perform this procedure that clears out the arteries

The fantastic aspect of this cutting-edge surgery is its intricacy and exactness – blood vessels and arteries are not very large. So, how can a tool that cuts away the material inside one be feasible? In a word: technology…in two more words: good doctor.

Once the patient is in the operating room, they receive a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on. The patient is awake and sedated throughout the surgery.

Once sedated, the surgeon inserts a thin wire into the blocked artery via a needle inserted into a blood vessel in the groin. After this, the surgeon will insert dye into the artery while taking x-rays and observing while the dye continues to move through the body. These x-ray images give the surgeon the exact location to insert and maneuver the catheter.

The catheter inserted contains a cutting blade, grinding device, or laser filament used to remove the plaque. The device also contains a collection or suctioning system that effectively removes the debris. In some instances, the surgeon may opt to insert a stent at the location of the blockage to reduce the likelihood of another blockage.

Another remarkable aspect of this procedure is the healing time – 12 to 24 hours. Not days or weeks, as most surgeries generally require. A patient can usually continue with normal activity within a day or two.

Finally, doctors have seen tremendous results with the procedure. Very few risks exist for someone who opts for an atherectomy.

Here’s a video demonstrating the concept of the procedure:

The prolific threat from atherosclerosis is apparent when looking at the facts:

It is the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases: heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease
Cardiovascular disease kills over 800,000 people annually, the most common cause of death.

Of course, preventative care is the best care. This is undoubtedly the case for atherosclerosis, an often deadly and debilitating disease. Good preventative care requires the determination of risk factors – the symptoms that often culminate in the surfacing of a severe condition.

Final thoughts on preventing atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is progressive but preventable. The disease’s nine risk factors account for approximately 90% of all heart attacks. These risk factors include the following:

Smoking
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Aging
Inflammatory disease
Family history of the disease
Abdominal obesity
Stress
Not eating fruits and vegetables
Excess alcohol intake
Not exercising regularly

Once a blockage occurs, it is almost always permanent. Therefore, it is very important to mitigate potentially damaging consequences by making lifestyle changes. Of course, this condition mandates a healthy diet, regular exercise, and no smoking. While these changes will not eliminate the blockages, they can drastically lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

20 Signs It’s Time To Let Go Of The Past And Move On

February 25, 2016 by Chris Butler

Letting go of things that happened in the past is hard. In fact, it’s really hard. Strong emotional ties to events of consequence in our life tend to leave a memorable impression. In some ways, it can be positive – reminiscing about a lost loved one or reflecting on past accomplishments. In other ways, it’s not so positive. Think about how people relive a relationship that just didn’t pan out or torture themselves over a dumb decision.

Holding onto negative things that have happened in the past allows such events to impact our present and future adversely. Admittedly, it can be difficult to ignore these thoughts, as our brain has a cleverly devious way of reminding us. Only self-awareness coupled with a conscious decision to continue despite the past will allow us to live a peaceful and meaningful life.

“Regret is useless in life. It’s in the past. All we have is now.” – Marlon Brando

Here are 20 signs it’s time to let go of the past and move on:

1. If the people and environment around us create feelings of exhaustion, it’s time to let go of the past and move on.

No matter how hard you try not to get pulled into the swirl of an emotionally needy person’s world, you may feel exhausted. Trying to prop people up all the time wears you down. If you’re seeing a continuous pattern where you’re getting involved way more than you should, it may be time to distance yourself from this relationship.

2. If we’ve lost the joy and sense of curiosity in doing what we once loved, it’s probably time to find something else that inspires us.

If you’ve lost the joy and sense of curiosity in doing what you once loved, it’s probably time to find something else that inspires you. Or perhaps you struggle to maintain your joy at your job or school. That might be a sign you are taking the wrong track. Maybe it’s time to consider looking for a new job or choosing a new school major. It’s okay to change directions. Who knows, maybe it will spark new motivation in your heart and re-ignite your joyfulness?

3. If we compromise our core beliefs and ethics because of the situation we’re in, it’s time to leave that situation behind.

If your situation is causing you a moral dilemma, it’s not worth it. No situation should cause you to go against your conscience. Whether it’s work, friends, or family members, stick to what you know is right. You don’t need to be rude about standing up for your beliefs. Explain in kind, but firm words where you stand and why you’re walking away.

4. If we’re not having fun anymore, it’s time to find something that recreates that joyful feeling.

Of course, not everything in life is fun. But there are some things you do that should be fun and give you joy. If this isn’t happening, maybe it’s time to examine your heart. Is it something you should or shouldn’t be doing? Are you making poor choices regarding a situation that’s causing you to lose joy? Maybe it’s time to redefine joy and find something that will help you recreate it.

5. If we’re faking a cheerful disposition when the circumstances are leaving us miserable, it’s time to confront this self-deception and move past it.

It takes courage to be honest about your circumstances. It leaves you vulnerable, but if you have friends and family who you know will accept you and make it easy for you to stop self-deception, don’t wait. Take the step to move past your situation and get help.

6. If we fear making changes and settling for our current condition, it’s time to embrace those fears, let go of the past, and move forward.

It’s easy to stay in the familiar. It feels predictable and safe, but that’s not always the best for you. Stepping out into the unknown takes courage. It takes faith that you’re on the right path. Maybe it’s time for you to embrace your fears and move forward.

7. If we feel that our dreams are no longer relevant or possible, it’s probably time to remind ourselves of our purpose and take concrete steps to make it happen.

You may have lost sight of your dreams, but you can get back on track by reminding yourself how you got on this journey. Find like-minded friends who will encourage you along the way. This helps you avoid loneliness and losing sight of your goal.

8. If we yearn for feelings of freedom, it’s probably because our current situation doesn’t allow it. Consider letting go of the past and making changes.

Of course, you must know what freedom is and what it isn’t before launching out. Sometimes responsibilities can make you feel less free, but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong. Sift through what is essential and where you need freedom and where you don’t. Consider changing what you can, but are content with what you can’t change.

9. If our life’s current state does not coincide with the expectations we’ve set, it’s time to be proactive in meeting those expectations.

Perhaps you’ve been lazy or self-absorbed so that you haven’t met the expectations you set years ago. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate where you’re at and work towards meeting those expectations that were important to you in the past.

10. If we have more feelings of sadness than happiness or cry more than we laugh, it’s probably because of a toxic situation that we must release.

Life involves seasons. Some seasons are happier and more manageable than others. If you’re finding that you’re living only with sadness, it may be time to ask yourself why. Are you living with unrealistic views of life? Or are you putting yourself in a toxic relationship? Whatever the reason, it may be time to move on in this current season.

11. If our thought processes are more affixed to things in the past rather than the present or future, it’s time to make a change.

Suppose you find yourself living in the past more than in the present. It’s time for you to get perspective. Perhaps you lost a good friend and miss them terribly, or maybe your past life was happier than your present one. No one would fault you, but you’re missing out on the potentially good things that can come from embracing today.

Find a group of people you can trust, get encouragement and support from them as you begin your journey back to the present. Who knows what happiness may lie around the corner for you?

12. If we find ourselves continually pleading for someone or some situation to change for the better, it’s worthwhile to contemplate whether or not it’s working.

It’s challenging to change people. They must want it even more than you do. If someone you know refuses to change, maybe it’s time to get some outside help. Asking for help shouldn’t be embarrassing. Sometimes others can say or do things that will motivate someone to change.

13. If a current situation invokes feelings of boredom, resentfulness, or complacency, it’s probably time to make a change.

As an adult, you know that life is sometimes boring. But that doesn’t mean you should give in to complacency. Your life can have a purpose even during dull times. If you’re struggling with resentment and lack motivation, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your heart. Changing your view of your life situation will help you feel happier and full of purposefulness.

14. If rehashing memories causes more pain than comfort, it’s time to move forward and make new ones.

Memories are to be kept in the heart, not re-examined over and over. If you’re finding that your memories are holding you back, it’s time to let go of them and look to make new memories with your family and friends.

15. If we fail to correct patterns of behavior that have caused us harm, it’s time to evaluate why and make a positive change.

Staying in patterns of behavior that harm is unhealthy. Perhaps you’re punishing yourself. Maybe you feel unworthy of love or good things in life. Whatever the reason, it’s time to break free from self-harm. Talk to a pastor or counselor about what’s going on in your life. They can help you find the freedom you want and deserve.

16. If we feel isolated from everyone else or misunderstood or rejected, we’re in the company of the wrong people. It’s probably time to find new relationships.

Friendships should help make you a better person. If your friends are pulling you down or rejecting you, it’s time to find new friends. Find a community of people who can encourage you and make you a better person.

17. If someone we’re with causes us to cease personal development and/or discovery, it may be time to move forward.

If the people around you aren’t out of your good but wish to hurt you, it’s time to find new friends. Find a community of people who will build you up, not tear you down. Surround yourself with individuals who you can invest in and help.

18. If we attempted to “make things work” multiple times with no progress, it’s time to evaluate the situation and make a change.

Perhaps it’s time to get outside help to make the situation better. There’s nothing wrong with needing help. Talk to a pastor or counselor about your situation. They can walk with you through the different things that are going on and help you find peace and change where needed.

19. If we constantly make sacrifices for our significant other, but they don’t reciprocate, it’s time for a discussion. Moreover, it might be time to part ways.

Relationships are messy. They take time and lots of effort. If you make sacrifices with no notice from your partner, it’s essential to talk to them about what you’re feeling. If you don’t discuss it, you’ll end up getting bitter and resentful. That’s a terrible way to live.

20. If we’ve neglected our other personal relationships because of a past person or situation, we’re hurting them and ourselves. It’s time to change that.

If a situation is monopolizing your time, it might be time to re-evaluate your involvement. Ask yourself if this is where you need to be putting all your time and energy. Perhaps the committeeman was important in the past. But as your life changes, you may need to step away from this situation to better yourself and others.

Final Thoughts on Letting Go of the Past and Moving on in Life

Most decisions to move on are difficult. This is especially true when these decisions involve letting go of another human being or group of people. It’s important to understand that we needn’t make this difficult transition alone, although many people unnecessarily feel this way.

If you make a decision to move forward in life, do so for the right reasons. Also, please seek the comfort and assistance of people that love and care for you.

This Woman Called 911 To Order A Pizza For The Most Clever Reason

February 23, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Unfortunately, nearly 10 million men and women per year in the United States become victims of domestic violence. Police dispatchers take calls from victims every day, but a particular call stood out to one man working the graveyard shift. In October 2014, a police dispatcher answered a phone call that started out fairly routinely, but became a bit strange after the first few moments. He posted the entire exchange in a Reddit thread titled “911 operators, what is that 1 call that you could never forget?”

The 911 Conversation

Here’s the entire conversation between the dispatcher and the woman on the phone:

911

“911, where is your emergency?”
“123 Main St.”
“Ok, what’s going on there?”
“I’d like to order a pizza for delivery.” (oh great, another prank call).
“Ma’am, you’ve reached 911”
“Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers?”
“Ummm…. I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911 right?”
“Yeah, do you know how long it will be?”
“Ok, Ma’am, is everything ok over there? do you have an emergency?”
“Yes, I do.”
“..And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (moment of realization)
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?”
“I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?”
“Nope.”
“Can you stay on the phone with me?”
“Nope. See you soon, thanks”

The Details

911

And here’s a more detailed explanation from the dispatcher:

As we dispatch the call, I check the history at the address, and see there are multiple previous domestic violence calls. The officer arrives and finds a couple, female was kind of banged up, and boyfriend was drunk. The officer arrests him after she explains that the boyfriend had been beating her for a while. I thought she was pretty clever to use that trick. Definitely one of the most memorable calls.

Weisinger said the woman seemed calm initially but then gave short frantic responses. “I remember feeling relieved we had an officer close by who could respond quickly,” he added.

However, he said he unfortunately never found out what happened to the woman after she made the phone call.

“This is a part of the job most 911 dispatchers find frustrating. Beyond the immediate resolution – arrest, hospitalisation, etc – we rarely hear what happens to the people who call.”

Weisinger said that usually, the only way officers and police dispatchers know what happened with a domestic violence victim is if they make it a point to stay in touch with them afterwards.

“I would say 90% of the calls that involved an emergency situation like this were husbands or boyfriends being violent towards significant others. I bring this up because when a female caller seems distressed, experience would guide my questions differently than a distressed male caller. So when I first sensed something wrong with this caller, my first thought was a domestic disturbance.”

Weisinger said that even though he helped in this situation, he gives the credit to the caller for her creativity and bravery.

“Whether she had thought of this trick before, or it just came to her,” he said, “she indicated the urgency of her situation without giving away the true purpose of her call.”

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the 24-hour U.K. National Domestic Violence helpline free on 0808 2000 247, or in the U.S. at 1-800-799-7233.

Science Explains What Sleep Paralysis Does To Your Body (And Why It Happens)

February 23, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Sleep paralysis is the sensation of being conscious but physically unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between the two stages of wakefulness and sleep.

Of all the weird sensations that one can experience, perhaps there is nothing stranger than being unable to move, more specifically, being unable to move while being consciously aware of one’s surroundings.

If You’ve Ever Awakened At Night Unable To Move, Here’s What It Means…

Sleep paralysis is a strange and potentially frightening phenomenon. Essentially, the person experiencing sleep paralysis can’t move any body part. Still, it remains conscious. Those that experience sleep paralyses are often terrified. That’s an understandable reaction to not having voluntary control over one’s movements.

Fortunately, this is a relatively common occurrence and does not cause any physical harm to the body. Sleep paralysis happens during one of two stages -“hypnagogic” and “hypnopompic.” Hypnagogic sleep paralysis occurs before falling asleep, while hypnopompic sleep paralysis occurs as one wakes from REM sleep.

As we fall asleep, our body becomes deeply relaxed while our minds become less aware. However, when hypnagogic sleep paralysis occurs, the mind remains aware while the body achieves an involuntary state of relaxation. The person then realizes that they’re unable to move despite their efforts, often leading to feelings of panic.

During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, our muscles are paralyzed, so we don’t act out our dreams. When one experiences hypnopompic sleep paralysis, a specific part of the brain wakes sooner. This wakeful state does not affect the part of the brain responsible for REM paralysis, however. The result is a certain degree of wakefulness and no voluntary control over muscles.

Who does sleep paralysis happen to?

Some people are fortunate enough to experience this situation just once or twice in their life, if ever. Unfortunately, some people experience this phenomenon often – even multiple times a week. A study undertaken at Penn State University discovered that approximately 8 percent of the population has frequent issues with sleep paralysis. Individuals with mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are more prone to frequent episodes of sleep paralysis.

People affected by sleep apnea, people on specific types of medication, and those with an underlying sleep condition may experience more frequent episodes of sleep paralysis.

Here is a list of some of the most prominent risk factors.

Lack of sleep
Frequent changes in sleep schedule
Mental conditions, such as stress or bipolar disorder
Sleeping on the back
Sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
Certain types of medication, such as those with ADHD
Substance abuse

What are the symptoms?

Under almost every circumstance, individuals who experience sleep paralysis is unable to move or speak from a few seconds to a few minutes. As mentioned, this usually occurs during the initial stages of falling asleep and almost immediately after waking up.

While sleep paralysis often requires no treatment, a doctor may further inquire into other areas that pertain to sleep health. Should sleep conditions linger or worsen, the medical professional may then refer to a sleep specialist.

Final Thoughts on Seeking out treatment for sleep paralysis?

Because this sensation occurs naturally, there is generally no prescribed treatment. However, a treatment regimen may be in order if a medical professional detects an underlying condition in the diagnosis process. Such prescribed treatments are:

Implementation of a sleeping schedule
Prescription for an anti-depressant
Referral to a mental health professional
Referral to a sleep specialist
Treatment of any underlying sleep disorders
Prescription for sleeping aids

Often, prioritizing adequate sleep while limiting unnecessary stress (especially before bedtime) will suffice to prevent sleep paralysis. Because of the enigmatic nature of the condition, the effectiveness of formal and informal treatments to alleviate it is ambiguous at best.

As a rule of thumb, one episode does not usually mandate a trip to the doctor’s office. Health professionals recommend that those with rare episodes of sleep paralysis pay particular attention to their sleeping habits, as sleep deprivation almost assuredly increases the likelihood of an episode.

Other recommendations include avoiding or severely restricting alcohol/drugs, nicotine, and caffeine. Keeping electronic devices out of the bedroom is also recommended to establish healthy sleep patterns.

Of course, a sleep paralysis episode may occur regardless. If that’s the case, remember to stay calm and realize it will pass.

The 911 Conversation

The Details

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Here’s what happens to your body when you stare at your cell phone too much:

Negatively affects emotions and can cause antisocial behaviors.

It elevates stress levels in the body.

Weakens the immune system.

Increases your risk of chronic pain.

Heightens your chances of experiencing vision problems.

10 Things You Can Learn From A Strong Woman

1. A strong woman will teach you courage.

2. A strong woman will teach you to love yourself.

3. A strong woman will teach you to be independent.

4. A strong woman will teach you to choose kindness.

5. A strong woman will teach you how to trust your gut.

6. A strong woman will teach you to be a mother to others.

7. A strong woman will teach you to create happiness.

8. A strong woman will teach you that emotions are powerful.

9. A strong woman will teach you to have faith in yourself.

10. A strong woman will teach you how to love unconditionally.

However, this new technology can “eat” harmful arterial plaque and completely clean your arteries:

How doctors perform this procedure that clears out the arteries

Here’s a video demonstrating the concept of the procedure:

Final thoughts on preventing atherosclerosis

Here are 20 signs it’s time to let go of the past and move on:

1. If the people and environment around us create feelings of exhaustion, it’s time to let go of the past and move on.

2. If we’ve lost the joy and sense of curiosity in doing what we once loved, it’s probably time to find something else that inspires us.

3. If we compromise our core beliefs and ethics because of the situation we’re in, it’s time to leave that situation behind.

4. If we’re not having fun anymore, it’s time to find something that recreates that joyful feeling.

5. If we’re faking a cheerful disposition when the circumstances are leaving us miserable, it’s time to confront this self-deception and move past it.

6. If we fear making changes and settling for our current condition, it’s time to embrace those fears, let go of the past, and move forward.

7. If we feel that our dreams are no longer relevant or possible, it’s probably time to remind ourselves of our purpose and take concrete steps to make it happen.

8. If we yearn for feelings of freedom, it’s probably because our current situation doesn’t allow it. Consider letting go of the past and making changes.

9. If our life’s current state does not coincide with the expectations we’ve set, it’s time to be proactive in meeting those expectations.

10. If we have more feelings of sadness than happiness or cry more than we laugh, it’s probably because of a toxic situation that we must release.

11. If our thought processes are more affixed to things in the past rather than the present or future, it’s time to make a change.

12. If we find ourselves continually pleading for someone or some situation to change for the better, it’s worthwhile to contemplate whether or not it’s working.

13. If a current situation invokes feelings of boredom, resentfulness, or complacency, it’s probably time to make a change.

14. If rehashing memories causes more pain than comfort, it’s time to move forward and make new ones.

15. If we fail to correct patterns of behavior that have caused us harm, it’s time to evaluate why and make a positive change.

16. If we feel isolated from everyone else or misunderstood or rejected, we’re in the company of the wrong people. It’s probably time to find new relationships.

17. If someone we’re with causes us to cease personal development and/or discovery, it may be time to move forward.

18. If we attempted to “make things work” multiple times with no progress, it’s time to evaluate the situation and make a change.

19. If we constantly make sacrifices for our significant other, but they don’t reciprocate, it’s time for a discussion. Moreover, it might be time to part ways.

20. If we’ve neglected our other personal relationships because of a past person or situation, we’re hurting them and ourselves. It’s time to change that.

Final Thoughts on Letting Go of the Past and Moving on in Life

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