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5 Signs You’re In A Relationship That’s Bad For Your Mental Health

December 26, 2015 by Power of Positivity

When we enter into a relationship, it should always be good for our mental health. Our sincere hope is that we can share mutual, positive thoughts and feelings with the other person for a long time to come without burden. Much of the happiness that we derive out of a relationship is dependent upon our positive state of mind.

Ultimately, the success or failure of any relationship, friendship, courtship, marriage, etc., hinges upon the frequency, depth, and quality of interaction that we have with someone else. Eventually, our mental state is affected either positively or negatively, depending upon these interactions.

Unfortunately, there are many unhealthy relationships. Take divorce for example. While the statistics vary according to the source, about half of all marriages end in divorce (the actual stat is probably a bit less than half, actually). Divorce is an extremely painful event; one that can potentially damage someone’s mental health before, during, and afterward.

It’s not just divorce, however. Our friendship and dating relationships also have the capability to affect our mental health.

Five Factors That Impact How a Relationship Might Impact Mental Health

In the midst of a relationship whirlwind, it can be quite difficult to slow down and evaluate our mental state. Much of the time, our focus lies in one of two areas: (1) healing the relationship, or (2) devising a way to get out of it. The degree of damage that a negative relationship causes to our health depends on a few different variables, including the following:

Length of relationship
Type of relationship (marriage, friendship, courtship, etc.)
If any violence occurs (mental or physical)
Whether you have children together
If infidelity took place

That said… any length of time that our emotional and/or mental health is suffering is too long. This is especially true when it is a direct result of a person that is unworthy of our love, affection and attention.

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” – Wayne Dyer

Is Your Partner Harmful to Your Mental Health?

Here are 5 five signs that your partner may be bad for your mental health:

1. Continuously second-guessing thoughts and feelings (thinking perhaps you’re overreacting or being too dramatic/sensitive/etc.) when you have the right to be.

Occasionally, it is normal to second-guess our thoughts and feelings. After all, we’re human. That said, it is not normal for someone that we’re in a relationship with to act in a way that constantly causes us to evaluate our mental state and second-guess our emotions. If this happens repeatedly over time, there is a strong possibility that the other person is acting manipulatively.

It’s worth noting that there is often denial at this phase, either by the person causing the harm or by the recipient of it. The one causing the harm will generally deny intent, often saying things like “I didn’t know you felt that way…” or “I didn’t mean to …” However, the recipient will often deny the other person’s intent for them, as in trying to rationalize another person’s behavior!

2. It harms your mental health if you make excuses about their behavior

If we ever find ourselves making excuses for someone else, well, we need to stop. Now, this can be a difficult thing, especially if it’s someone we deeply care for and/or love. The problem with continuously making excuses for someone else is two-fold: (1) it enables the other person to continue their negative behavior without consequence, and (2) making excuses to other people about their behavior will harm another relationship: the person we’re giving excuses to. It’s only a matter of time before they begin to feel used and mistreated.

But, we also need to watch the excuses we make. For example:

“I’d rather settle for him/her than be lonely”
“They’re a great friend, I’ve done something wrong”
“I don’t want to hurt their feelings…”
“I’ll bring it up later…”

3. Denying yourself the right to think/feel/act…

If our excuse-making gets out of control or we’re so keen on sustaining a relationship that’s not working, we’ll often flat-out deny ourselves the right to think, feel or act. Some of us will even talk ourselves into thinking that we’re somehow a benefactor for putting someone else before us!

We see this often with couples, especially those that have children. One person is completely disillusioned with the relationship, but “for the sake of the kids” or “not wanting to stir the pot” they’ll just bury their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They certainly won’t take any kind of action that may change their circumstances. This will also happen with someone who’s been a close friend for a long time.

4. Unsettled anger, fear, or anxiety when interacting with your partner can harm mental health

In a relationship that’s been mentally unhealthy for some time, there will often be a sense of negative emotions being amplified by communicating with the other person. There’s almost a sense of dread that never quite dissipates, despite our best efforts. It’s as if we’ve been hurt for so long, that any conversation or other type of interaction causes negative feelings to resurface. The frequency and intensity of these thoughts and emotions are generally related to the severity and length of the mistreatment. Consistently negative thoughts and emotions will harm our mental health.

5. Constantly trying to ‘fix’ the relationship to little avail

A relationship is a two-way street. Both people have to be willing to give and take from time to time. When someone is not willing to reciprocate the type of effort needed to sustain a healthy relationship, there is often little that can be done. If, despite our effort to do so, the other person either: (1) seems to change only for a short period of time or (2) refuses to make any type of change to their behavior, it is likely a telltale sign that the relationship is just not going to work out. Friendships cannot be forced. Dating cannot be forced. Marriage cannot be forced. We can “work” on a relationship, but that’s only possible if both people are willing to put in the time and effort to do so.

In summary, we should not be willing to tolerate a continuously negative relationship. While we may be reluctant or fearful in cutting ties with someone else, it is oftentimes for the best – both for us and for them. We should be proactive in taking our mental health with the utmost seriousness while refusing to engage with people who threaten to unsettle our emotional and mental stability.

7 Things That Will Make You Feel Younger

December 25, 2015 by Power of Positivity

All it takes is an exhausting day to make you feel 10 years older. Remember when you pulled all-nighters and still managed to function the next day? Whether Father Time has actually caught up to you or you just feel older lately, having an energy that makes you feel younger would sure make your life easier.

Aging gracefully in our physical appearance and health is what we all aspire to. Feeling young is something less tangible. Happiness at any age depends mostly on our attitude. One study found that people in mid-life and later adulthood who felt young had less fear of aging and more overall life satisfaction.

In other research, negative perceptions of aging could affect health later in life. Those who felt negatively about getting older were less likely to seek services for health care or other assistance. Their negative attitude is picked up on by others that they encounter who may avoid or neglect them as a result of wanting to avoid the negativity.

No matter how old you are physically, we all get stuck in a rut that feels old. Shaking things up a bit will give you a fresh perspective and will help you feel better and younger than you have in years. If chasing the elusive fountain of youth is all in our attitude about the aging process, here are 7 things that will make you feel younger.

7 Things That Will Make You Feel Younger

1. Smile and laugh more

Smiling gives you an instant facelift. It may sound like a platitude, but smiling does actually help to lift the apples of the cheeks. Exercising these facial muscles can help prevent the visible signs of aging and also helps uplift your mood.

Research has shown that not being able to frown as a result of having botox injections helped to improve a person’s mood. Of course, it is possible that having the anti-aging treatment could also have made those patients feel better about their appearance, which helped their mood.

Laughter is also a mood elevator that can make you feel younger. Bonus points for acting young if you share a laugh with a friend rather than alone. You can read more about how laughter works as a natural high here.

2. Have more sex

Even if you still haven’t found the right partner, give yourself some love. Having an orgasm releases endorphins, which makes you feel good. If you have a partner, try to add one more night per week for intimate touching. Just touching each other releases oxytocin which makes you feel happy and secure.

Looking and feeling sexy is another way to feel younger. Put on something that you look darn good in, even if you aren’t going anywhere. Get a massage or a salon treatment that will have you admiring yourself and your youthful glow every time you pass a mirror.

3. Try something you’ve never done before

The rush of excitement over a new experience will help you to feel younger. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will give you a feeling of uncertainty, but embrace that and be brave anyway.

Remember how fearless you were as a kid. If someone gave you roller skates, you didn’t worry about the danger of falling, you laced them up and started skating for the pure joy of the activity.

Fear is sometimes described by the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real. Ask yourself if you have any real evidence about why you shouldn’t try a new activity. If the answer is no, then go for it.

4. Dance like no one is watching

Put on some music that makes you want to move and let loose. Getting active in a joyful way elevates your mood and energy level. Listening to music gives you a boost of dopamine, and so does exercise.

5. Meet new friends

Your long time friends know most of your stories, but when you have to talk about yourself with someone new, you get the benefit of a fresh perspective on who you are as a person. Start up a conversation with someone you may never see again. You may find a new companion who has more in common with you that you would ever know.

6. Learn something new

Being a lifelong learner is a great way to keep your mind active while adding education and skills to your resume. Find a local community college course list and sign up for a class on your favorite subject or one you know nothing about. For a small fee you can stimulate your mind and feel like a freshman in college again.

7. Volunteer with the elderly

Yes you will feel young by comparison when you volunteer with older people, but that’s not what we meant. When you donate your time to people who need help, you feel good about what you’re doing. Find a cause that you can support and get involved.

Getting older isn’t easy, which is why your life experience up to this point can help you sail through this part of your life with ease. With a positive attitude and a willingness to change, you’ve lost 5 years off your mental age already.

5 Signs You Have Anger Issues and How to Fix Them

December 25, 2015 by Sarah Barkley

Imagine that someone that you made plans with changed things on you at the last minute. Do you sigh heavily in frustration but go along with the new plan, refuse to change from your original plan, or yell at them about how inconsiderate they are of your time? How you respond shows how well or poorly you control your emotions.

Anger is a natural human emotion, so having feelings of anger is not a problem. When anger affects your well-being or those around you, it can signify that your outward expressions of anger have become a problem.

5 Signs You Have Anger Issues

Here are five signs that you get angry too often.

1. Your Anger Issues Concerns You

If you have concerns over how often you get angry, the inability to keep control over your anger, how long you stay angry, or your behavior that corresponds to the anger, it’s a sign that you have an anger problem. Your feelings about your emotions are a significant clue to your anger being something you need to control before it gets worse.

In one study, anger predicted substance use for women, and impulsivity was more strongly associated with delinquency for males. Lack of control over strong emotions can lead to other out of control behavior.

2. Your Anger Issues Cause Other People to Fear Your

Experts diagnose sudden outbursts as Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and it impacts approximately 16 million Americans.

If you are prone to overreacting when you are angry, others may have been avoiding you. You can see signs of fear in others by observing their body language. When you do finally see them, their body language might seem defensive. For example, their arms are crossed over their chest, and they stand with one foot turned toward the door. They may avoid eye contact or seem to apologize excessively.

On the other hand, it is unlikely that you would notice how your behavior affects others if you have an anger problem. You may have become blind to the impact that your actions have had on those closest to you. If you think that your anger may be affecting your relationships, it is a sign that it may be a problem.

3. You Have Anxiety About How You Will Feel After an Angry Outburst

You may have noticed that you can’t predict how you will respond when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear. If you are worried that you will overreact at any given moment when you interact with someone, you likely have an anger problem.

You may also feel depressed about your actions after a bout of anger. If your emotions swing to sadness, you are more prone to harm yourself with other out of control behavior such as self-medication with alcohol or drugs. Seek the help of a licensed counselor to work through your emotional distress if it concerns you.

4. It Takes You an Hour or More to Regain Emotional Control

Everyone gets upset, but it could be a good reason to be concerned if you have trouble releasing your angry feelings. It can be unhealthy for you to have these feelings over a long period of time. An article published in Psychology Today explains that it takes the body about twenty minutes to calm down after the fight or flight response kicks in.

Here’s how that works.

When you get angry, your blood pressure increases, and your heart rate speeds up. You might sweat, and you have a rush of adrenaline. A prolonged period of heightened arousal from anger is similar to the effects of stress on your body.

After an angry outburst, your physiological stress levels should return to normal within a fairly short amount of time. You should be able to feel calm and relaxed again within 30 minutes following the angry episode.

You should also be able to move your thoughts on to focusing on a solution to whatever upset you. If you are having trouble with either your physiological anger response or your thoughts returning to a calm state, it is a sign that you have an anger problem.

5. You Have Violent Thoughts or Actions

Throwing things, kicking or overturning furniture, slamming doors, or other violent actions are signs of a problem. Violence toward objects can become violence toward others. Seek help before you cause harm to another person.

Similarly, violent thoughts about causing harm to others are concerning. If you have thoughts about hurting people, it can be frightening to confront those thoughts. You can text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 if you are experiencing an emotional crisis and need help. You can also seek a licensed counselor in your area to work through your feelings of anger.

According to the team at the Kentucky Counseling Center, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy proves to help reduces negative feelings in those who try the therapy. The therapy uses techniques of relaxation and restructuring thoughts, focusing on solving problems and learning to prepare for stressful situations.

Ten Practical Ways to Manage Your Anger Issues

Now that you see you have anger issues, how do you address them? Here are ten things you can try.

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques to Cope With Your Anger Issues

When you feel anger set in, practice your relaxation skills. Focus on deep breathing, imagine your favorite place, repeat a calming phrase, listen to music, or write in your journal. Yoga is another good way to relax, so learning a few yoga poses can help, too.

The best relaxation technique for you might be different than what works for someone else. Focus on finding an activity that helps you reduce your anger, and practice it to make the techniques to make them more effective.

2. Work on Forgiveness and Empathy

Forgiveness is more powerful than you might initially realize. Letting go of the negative feelings will help you let go of bitterness, injustice, and anger. As you practice forgiveness, you will feel the anger leave your body.

Empathy can also help you let go of the anger. As you view the situation from someone else’s perspective, you might form a new level of understanding. With understanding, you can begin to let go of the negative feelings as you recognize the reasoning.

3. Identify and Avoid Triggers

To fix your anger issues, start by identifying your triggers. You can’t blame other people or circumstances for your behavior, but you can figure out what sets you off. Spend a week or so tracking your anger issues by making notes of the following:

people that were involved
the place it happened in
what the situation was
the time of day

While you can’t control other people or situations, you can structure your day differently to help. You can also try to avoid certain people or events that trigger your anger. Even if you can’t avoid the trigger, knowing that it is coming will help you handle it better.

4. Don’t Speak Without Thinking It Through

When you’re angry, it’s tempting to say the first thing that comes to mind. It’s also tempting to say something that you know will hurt the other person. Avoid doing this, though, because it will only make you feel worse.

Rather than saying things that you’ll regret later, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts. You can even practice what you want to say before having the conversation to see how it sounds. Avoid saying anything offensive as it can do more harm.

5. Walk Away When You Feel Angry

When you feel your anger rising, walk away and take a few minutes to yourself. Doing this will give you a chance to prepare for what’s ahead without letting your anger issues control you.

As you’re taking this timeout, think about if your anger will help or hurt the situation. If it’s helpful, work on changing the situation rather than focusing on your anger. However, if it isn’t helpful, try to change your mindset and emotional state instead.

Once you’ve calmed down a little and thought about the situation, you can positively address it. Assertively express your frustration or anger, ensuring that you aren’t confrontational.

6. Find Something to Laugh About

You can release tension and anger by finding humor in the situation. Try using a light-hearted joke or doing something funny to make things less tense. Be careful to avoid sarcasm, though, as it can make things worse.

If you can’t find humor in the situation making you angry, find something else to laugh about. Watch a comedy, listen to a funny podcast, or play with your kids. Whatever it is that makes you laugh and brings joy, spend time on that activity.

7. Do a Physical Activity

When you get angry, physical activity can help alleviate the feeling and clear your thoughts. Since anger makes you more energetic anyway, you might as well put it to good use.

When you first start feeling the anger escalating, go for a run or a brisk walk. You could also do some strength training at the gym or find other physical activities that help you decompress.

8. Learn to Recognize Warning Signs That Trigger the Anger issues

Even if you feel like your anger hits unexpectedly, there are usually some warning signs first. If you can learn these warning signs and recognize them in yourself, you can control your anger issues. Some indicators to watch for include:

a faster heartbeat
your face feeling hot
clenched fists
racing thoughts

9. Put Your Energy into Finding an Immediate Solution

Instead of focusing on the situation angering you, try switching your mindset and thinking about a solution. If it is the same trigger most of the time, learn to adjust to the problem.

For instance, if your child often leaves for their friend’s house without cleaning up their room, shut the door. If your partner is continually late for dinner, choose a later meal time. While this doesn’t resolve the underlying issue, it keeps your anger in check, helping you maintain your wellbeing.

10. Talk to a Close Friend

Choose someone calming that you are comfortable with and talk to them about what’s bothering you. Explain your issue and feelings to them and listen to their feedback.

Your friend can help you find a solution other than an angry outburst, and you can work through your feelings. A fresh perspective can help diffuse any situation.

Final Thoughts on Managing Anger Issues

How we respond to being upset is something that we learn as children by watching those around us. We can unlearn those behaviors and learn to replace acting out with more productive actions instead. A trained therapist is the best option for you if you have unsuccessfully tried to make changes on your own.

You can try one or two of the coping strategies on your own. If you need additional help to restore peace and calm, try seeing a counselor. There is no shame in seeking professional help for your anger issues. You can only grow stronger from experience.

This ONE Ingredient Remedy STOPS Migraines Instantly

December 25, 2015 by Chris Butler

If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know that the pain can be excruciating, and you would do anything to make it stop. Although traditional medicine offers migraine relief, other home remedies exist. So you might not believe how easily this one natural ingredient might relieve your migraine pain.

According to the Migraine Trust, 54% of sufferers experience one or more attacks per month, and 13% claim one or more episodes per week. As a result of migraines, an estimated 25 million days are lost from work or school because of migraine worldwide. The World Health Organization classifies severe attacks as the most disabling illnesses, comparable to dementia, quadriplegia, and active psychosis.

Migraine sufferers know that it’s not like a usual headache. The severity of the pain and the duration typically set a migraine apart from a regular headache.

If you are unsure what type of head pain you are experiencing, you can read more on this topic here. Consult your doctor for help if the pain does not subside with over-the-counter medication or home remedies.

What Happens During a Migraine?

Inside your head, blood flows in a circle like a halo, providing oxygen to all of your brain tissue. Neurons are firing, and all of your bodily functions are controlled by the computer that is your brain.

When it happens, two things are causing you pain. First, blood vessels dilate. They open up, and more blood than usually starts flowing to your brain. The pressure on the blood vessels of the increased blood flow is one cause of your pain.

The second cause of pain, according to the Migraine Relief Center, is that “cranial vessels leak, causing swelling in the area.”

Indeed, it’s no wonder you feel pressure in your brain when you have this headache. These headaches can last from 4 to 72 hours. During that painful time frame, some people feel nausea to such an extreme as to cause vomiting. Often, people experiencing one need to lie down and rest to recover until the pain subsides.

Some people will also experience visual hallucinations during a migraine, like tiny lights appearing or tunnel vision where their field of vision is closed off. This experience is common, but it can make any normal activities like driving impossible until it passes.

What Causes a Migraine?

They can come from an environmental triggers such as red wine, stress, sustained loud noise, dehydration, soy products, or even weather pressure changes. Sufferers quickly learn to look for and avoid the possible triggers that brought on the migraine.

Women have a higher incidence of migraines due to hormonal changes. Women sometimes find that they are more likely to experience a migraine during the same time of their monthly menstruation cycle. Other hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause can bring on a change in migraine frequency.

Over the Counter Migraine Remedies

The Migraine Trust says that “migraines remain undiagnosed and undertreated in at least 50% of patients, and less than 50% of migraine patients consult a physician.” Most try to fix the pain by taking their usual pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.

Both aspirin and ibuprofen act to thin the blood, and they will have a negligible effect on migraine by reducing the pressure on blood vessels in the brain. The time it takes for these to impact is excruciating for the person suffering from the headache.

Prescription medications are also available from a doctor in pill, patch, injection, or nasal inhalant forms. For oral medication, migraine sufferers take them at the first sign of symptoms. Other forms might be faster acting or in the path form. Thus, they deliver a steady dose of medication to help prevent migraines.

This ONE Natural Ingredient Can Stop A Migraine Instantly

The one miracle cure for your migraine? A drop of high-quality essential frankincense oil placed on the pad of your thumb then pressed into the roof of your mouth is a natural remedy that can stop migraines instantly.

Ancient Egyptians used frankincense oil as a natural migraine remedy when applied externally to the head. Some people report disliking the taste of the oil, so they use it in specific massage points on their heads. Put the oil on your fingertips and rub your temples, forehead, back of your neck, and scalp.

One study found that the monoterpenes in Frankincense and other essential oils act as a potent anti-inflammatory. This reduces the swelling of the blood vessels and reduces the pain. A second study showed that frankincense oil reduced the intensity and frequency of headaches in patients who experienced debilitating cluster migraines.

If you are one person for whom the frankincense oil does not work, try something to constrict your blood vessels, such as applying cold. A wrapped ice pack applied to the back of the neck or even running cold water over your head should help reduce the size of your blood vessels. Holding some cold water in your mouth while breathing through your nose will also help.

10 Additional Ways You Can Benefit from Using Frankincense Oil (Besides Treating Migraines)

Frankincense oil can do much more than alleviate a migraine. Here are some other fantastic uses for this essential oil.

1. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation may cause a migraine, but it can also lead to different diseases, such as these:

Cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Heart disease
Hay fever
Periodontitis
Arterial disease

Inflammation is your body’s way of trying to protect itself from injury. Inflammation happens when your body gets rid of cell or tissue damage from an injury. Frankincense contains boswellic acid, which helps your body to calm down. Applying Frankincense to the injured area can reduce inflammation that causes swelling, redness, and warmth in the injured area. Be sure to mix the Frankincense with a carrier oil to maximize its benefits.

2. Heals wounds

Besides stopping a migraine headache, Frankincense has antibacterial properties to heal wounds on your skin. It regenerates skin tissue, opens your pores to remove toxins, and prevents infection. Some suggest that Frankincense reduces age spots and can even out your skin tone. You can use Frankincense topically by mixing two to four drops with coconut oil or shea butter. Rub it directly on your skin.

3. Antifungal treatment

This fantastic oil also has antifungal properties. It can kill some types of fungal yeast. You must always dilute Frankincense in a carrier oil such as:

Almond oil
Argan oil
Coconut oil
Grapeseed oil
Jojoba oil
Rosehip oil

To get rid of toenail fungus, follow these directions. Clean your toenails with soap and water. Dry them off with a towel. Apply a couple of drops of Frankincense mixed with a carrier oil. Let the oil soak into your toenail for fifteen minutes. Then scrub your toenail with a nail brush. Do this treatment once a day for several months, noticing the fungus disappearing.

4. Kills some cancer cells

Melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer. It metastasizes quickly, and once it’s in this state, it’s hard to cure. There are 132,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the world each year. In 2019, one study found that Frankincense essential oils suppress melanoma cancer in mice.

5. Helps treat asthma

Frankincense oil helps improve the symptoms of bronchitis and asthma. Those who use Frankincense report fewer episodes of asthma symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath. This aromatic essential oil calms your respiratory tract so that you can breathe easier. Put a few drops of Frankincense on a cloth and inhale the scent for a few seconds. Or you can use an oil diffuser to fill a room with the smell of Frankincense to help you breathe easier.

What is a diffuser?

Diffusers come in all shapes and sizes. They’re prevalent today for releasing essential oil scents into the air. These electric devices spread essential oils of your choice throughout a room in your home or car. A good diffuser will include these things:

Easy to clean
It has a timer to allow for the right amount of time to diffuse the oil
Should run for at least an hour
Will disperse fragrance into a room in less than thirty minutes

Don’t diffuse your essential oils for too long since they may irritate your nose, skin, or eyes.

6. Faster recovery from a cold

If you have a cold, Frankincense can speed up your recovery. It breaks up the phlegm in your lungs and opens your respiratory tract. Frankincense’s anti-inflammatory benefits help you get rid of your migraine. That’s because it can reduce the swelling in your nasal passages so you can breathe better. If you’re suffering from a cold, use a diffuser with some Frankincense oil to improve your breathing and faster recovery from a cold.

7. Reduces anxiety

Another tremendous benefit of Frankincense essential oil is its ability to reduce your anxiety. Breathing in this aromatic oil calms you almost immediately. Like how Frankincense stops a migraine, this essential oil reduces stress and improves your mood. You can apply Frankincense oil to the bottoms of your feet to enhance relaxation. Try using it every morning to boost a positive attitude as you face the day.

8. Gut health

Another helpful benefit of Frankincense is reducing gut bloating and pain from conditions like

Irritable bowel disease (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis
Constipation
Stomach cramps

People who took Frankincense once a day for four weeks had a significant decrease in stomach symptoms of pain and cramping. Researchers hope to learn more about the healing properties of Frankincense related to gut health.

9. Skincare

People swear by Frankincense’s skincare benefits. This essential oil acts as an astringent, bringing balance to your skin’s oil production. It works as a toner that tightens and strengthens your skin’s elasticity. Frankincense provides a natural barrier against bacteria that causes blemishes.

Plus, when you use this essential oil, you’ll notice your skin is softer. Be sure to mix it with an appropriate carrier oil for the skin, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Many feel it’s a natural anti-aging remedy and smooths out pigment discolorations.

10. Improves oral hygiene

Frankincense may prevent gum disease and improve your overall oral health. Its potent antibacterial properties fight gum disease infections. In the Far Eastern parts of the world, Frankincense is a traditional medicine used to fight cavities and other mouth-related infections. Researchers are studying other therapeutic benefits for oral hygiene of this fantastic therapy.

Final Thoughts on Frankincense Oil for Migraine Relief

If you suffer from migraines, you understand how debilitating they can be. When you have a migraine, you need to hit the pause button on your life. Blinding pain makes it impossible to function at work, home, or school. Prescription medications can relieve the pain, but they have some dangerous side effects. Frankincense’s natural ability to stop a migraine is a God-send for sufferers.

This essential oil’s ability to reduce inflammation and swelling can end your migraine in short order. Put one or two drops of Frankincense on your thumb, and then press your thumb into the roof of your mouth. Quickly, you’ll notice your migraine fading away. If you are unconvinced of Frankincense’s effectiveness, why not try it the next time you get a migraine?

Today Is The Last Day to Call Santa for Free. Here’s the Number…

December 24, 2015 by Power of Positivity

If you want to make your last minute requests to call the North Pole, now is your chance! You can still reach Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves Workshop via the voluntee until 11pm Eastern Time tonight…

(NOTE: Calls to a toll free number are NOT free when dialed from another country outside of Canada or the US.)

The phone number to call Santa is:

1-800-726-8222.

Remember that many people still have Christmas requests, so you might have to try repeatedly to get through.

We called ourselves, and found that some of the most frequently asked questions for the North Pole crew were:

    Am I double checked on the nice list?
    Can I speak to Santa?
    Does Santa know where my house is?
    Is it too cold in the North Pole for the Reindeer to fly?
    When is Rudolph’s birthday?
    How many children do Santa & Mrs. Claus have?

The call is free thanks to John Dickson, a Santa Barbara resident who donated a business line after so many people called, believing they were calling the North Pole by dialing 800-SantaClaus.

Want to know the gifts you can give every day of the year? Read this related article…

10 Ways To Improve Your Digestive Health

December 24, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that good digestive health is conducive to a state of good mental health?

The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and essential nutrients to feed the body. Most people think of the digestive system as our stomach or other innards, which is true in the abstract, but it’s a much more complex, important system than most people think. If someone is neglectful of digestive health, they could run into problems in digesting food and create situations that result in fewer nutrients absorbing by their body.

The foods that we eat and the lifestyle we live determines the health of our digestive system. As long as we follow some basic instructions, we can keep our digestive system running smoothly.

“The road to health is paved with good intestines!” – Sherry A. Rogers

Here are ten tips to improve and maintain our digestive health:

Try these ten things to improve your gut health.

1. Drink water

There is nothing better for our overall health than drinking aqua. Drinking plenty of water (7-8 12 ounce glasses a day) helps keep our mental and physical faculties in order. The digestive system requires water to stay efficient. Not getting enough water slows down these processes and makes waste more difficult to pass. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids, especially after exercise. An easy way to make sure we’re getting enough water? When our urine is clear all day long.

2. Exercise for Better Digestive Health

Exercise is essential to digestive health in the same ways that it’s essential to our overall health: exercise increases blood flow and helps regulate weight. More specifically, this blood flow stimulates muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, prompting our organs to work more efficiently. This cycle causes food to work through our insides at a quicker rate and reduces the chance of constipation. As a rule of thumb, try to get 30 minutes of exercise daily. This activity can be taking the stairs, biking, swimming, walking, jogging, sports, etc. It’s okay to break that 30 minutes into smaller increments, as well.

3. Limit fatty foods

No surprise here: fatty foods are bad for the digestive system. More specifically, fatty foods slow the digestive process, which can cause problems such as constipation. Since it is vital to get some fat into our diet, we recommend choosing healthy fats such as Omega-3’s (found in olive oil, avocado, eggs, nuts, and lean meats such as chicken and turkey). Also, for meals that contain fat, couple it with high-fiber foods to ease the digestive process.

4. Eat more fiber

This one is probably obvious by now, but fiber intake is essential to digestion. If we think of our intestines as roads, fiber is the traffic cop that makes sure it doesn’t get congested, and everything goes smoothly. In addition, fiber is essential in slowing down digestion and slowing down glucose absorption, helping regulate our blood sugar levels. When we experience gassiness or difficulty in passing waste, likely, we’re not implementing enough fiber into our diets. There are plenty of fiber-rich foods out there, but here are some popular ones: pears, apples, bananas, oranges, raisins, almonds, peanuts, artichokes, broccoli, peas, black beans, and lentils.

5. Slow down when eating

As with most people, our digestive systems don’t like to be rushed. Some of the key signals that the body sends to the brain take some time, including when we’re full. It’s recommended that we chew each both them at least 20 times, which gives the stomach plenty of time in preparing to digest the nutrients that are being delivered; it also allows the body enough time to signal to the brain that we’re full. Another interesting note: try to avoid eating in from of the television. Studies show that when we’re distracted when eating, we act significantly more than when we’re at the dinner table.

6. Consume probiotics

Probiotics are natural, healthy bacteria that are found in our gut. These healthy bacteria are essential in helping to combat the negative effects of poor diets, stress, and antibiotics. Further, probiotics improve nutrient absorption, regulate healthy bacteria, and normalize our bowels. Some great sources of these bacterial helpers include probiotic supplements, low-fat yogurt, and kefir.

7. Cut down on alcohol

Our digestive system can be negatively impacted by too much alcohol consumption. Gallstones are solid masses that form in the gallbladder that can cause intense stomach and back pain, fever, and appetite loss, among other symptoms brought on by alcohol consumption. Alcohol can also cause metabolic syndrome – a group of symptoms that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Some other side effects of alcohol on the digestive system: heartburn, gastritis, intestinal cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, and liver disease.

8. Manage stress for Improved Digestive Health

According to Dr. Kenneth Koch at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center:

“Stress can affect every part of the digestion system…(stress) can cause your esophagus to go into spasms. It can increase the acid in your stomach, causing indigestion…the stomach can shut down and make you feel nauseous. Stress can cause your colon to react in a way that gives you diarrhea and constipation.”

Honestly, he said all that. So, add the digestive system to a long list of disrupted things by stress and then manage stress appropriately.

9. Eat small meals throughout the day

Eating smaller meals during the day instead of two or three large meals is healthy for our digestive system and metabolism. This method of eating prevents us from getting too hungry, overeating, and eating too fast. Consuming smaller meals also helps in combating abdominal pain, bloating, cramping and gas. In essence, eating smaller meals throughout the day doesn’t overburden our digestive systems, which is how many of our digestive problems start.

10. Eat mindfully

We’re so crunched for time that eating is often done on the run. Many times, we eat mindlessly by shoveling food into our mouths while glancing at the clock. Needless to say, this increases our stress levels and is counterproductive to digestive health. Instead, we should place food into the mouth and slowly chew while enjoying the texture and flavor of the food. Savor the food and be mindful of the process of eating – it’s much more enjoyable and healthy.

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Five Factors That Impact How a Relationship Might Impact Mental Health

Is Your Partner Harmful to Your Mental Health?

1. Continuously second-guessing thoughts and feelings (thinking perhaps you’re overreacting or being too dramatic/sensitive/etc.) when you have the right to be.

2. It harms your mental health if you make excuses about their behavior

3. Denying yourself the right to think/feel/act…

4. Unsettled anger, fear, or anxiety when interacting with your partner can harm mental health

5. Constantly trying to ‘fix’ the relationship to little avail

7 Things That Will Make You Feel Younger

1. Smile and laugh more

2. Have more sex

3. Try something you’ve never done before

4. Dance like no one is watching

5. Meet new friends

6. Learn something new

7. Volunteer with the elderly

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1. Your Anger Issues Concerns You

2. Your Anger Issues Cause Other People to Fear Your

3. You Have Anxiety About How You Will Feel After an Angry Outburst

4. It Takes You an Hour or More to Regain Emotional Control

5. You Have Violent Thoughts or Actions

Ten Practical Ways to Manage Your Anger Issues

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques to Cope With Your Anger Issues

2. Work on Forgiveness and Empathy

3. Identify and Avoid Triggers

4. Don’t Speak Without Thinking It Through

5. Walk Away When You Feel Angry

6. Find Something to Laugh About

7. Do a Physical Activity

8. Learn to Recognize Warning Signs That Trigger the Anger issues

9. Put Your Energy into Finding an Immediate Solution

10. Talk to a Close Friend

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1. Reduces inflammation

2. Heals wounds

3. Antifungal treatment

4. Kills some cancer cells

5. Helps treat asthma

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6. Faster recovery from a cold

7. Reduces anxiety

8. Gut health

9. Skincare

10. Improves oral hygiene

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The phone number to call Santa is:

Here are ten tips to improve and maintain our digestive health:

1. Drink water

2. Exercise for Better Digestive Health

3. Limit fatty foods

4. Eat more fiber

5. Slow down when eating

6. Consume probiotics

7. Cut down on alcohol

8. Manage stress for Improved Digestive Health

9. Eat small meals throughout the day

10. Eat mindfully

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