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5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating

November 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Procrastination is a near-universal trait, which is interesting because procrastinating almost always makes our lives more difficult. So why do we do it? Well, this is where it gets just a bit more complex.

Some people think that one’s personality has much to do with whether or not we procrastinate. It’s generally accepted that deliberative, less disciplined, and underachieve people have a stronger tendency to procrastinate.

Other theories have more of a task-oriented approach. Tasks that are considered tedious, confusing, and stressful are more likely to be put off. This only seems natural; after all, who wants to take the garbage out or go shopping for carpet? (Sorry to those who enjoy these activities!)

The thing is that neither of these “theories” is accurate. The reasons for this are: (1) we don’t always procrastinate, (2) individuals procrastinate for different reasons, and (3) we procrastinate often depending on mood or frame of mind. In other words, the reason for putting things off cannot neatly fit into pre-defined categories.

Seven Reasons for Procrastinating

Dr. Theo Tsaousides, neuropsychologist and author of the book Brainblocks: Overcoming the Seven Hidden Barriers to Success, cites that there are seven reasons for why we put stuff off and five things that we can do about it. Here are the seven reasons that he cites in his writing:

#1 – Emotional Temperature

Sometimes, we’re just not in the mood to do something, so we put it on the back burner. Example: making the bed.

#2 – Novelty

Procrastination is often the result of uncertainty, especially when dealing with a new task or situation. Example: learning to change the oil in your car.

#3 – Options

Either having too little or too many options can overwhelm us, leading to us stalling on something. Example: searching for a new job.

#4 – Outcome

Being unsure about what to expect or uncertainty regarding whether or not something is worth the effort. Example: studying for an exam.

#5 – Relevance

Seeing a task as irrelevant towards the pursuit of your goals. For example, the boss assigns some mundane task to be completed by a specific time.

#6 – Resources

Being short on energy, money, time, or other resources required to complete a task. Example: feeling too tired to look for a new place to live, not having enough savings needed to live somewhere else, or feeling overwhelmed to the point that investing time to look for a new home is too much to handle.

#7 – Skills

The task requires a specific skill set that one believes they either don’t possess or think that they don’t have—for example, an artistic or scientific endeavor that one would like to undertake.

With procrastination somewhat defined, it’s abundantly clear that procrastinating saps our productivity and makes us feel worse. The critical question now is: what are we to do about it?

It’s important to understand that procrastination is something that we all deal with; even those who have achieved some of the most incredible feats in history have had to face it.

Also, we must avoid labeling ourselves as procrastinators. After all, there are certain things that we’ve done that may have been difficult and time-consuming, yet we mustered the fortitude to accomplish them anyway. Nobody escapes procrastination, but some get trapped by it.

Five Ways to Help Stop Procrastinating

“Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” – Charles Dickens

That said, here are five things we can do to defeat this productivity killer:

#1 Work for the first 30 minutes

How many of us are guilty of waking up, get ready for work, and then jumping on Facebook, Twitter, or E-mail (raises both hands). Yeah, social media and e-mail have a prominent place in many of our lives nowadays.

To get into a work groove, set aside the first 30 minutes of each day for work and work only. The reason for this is simple – it allows us to get into a productive mindset and gets the flow going early. Also, taking on something productive for the first half-hour will make it much easier (and more guilt-free) when we do indeed update our Facebook status or reply to Mom’s email.

#2 Ignore distractions

Here’s something worth thinking about: willpower, much like physical strength, is a depleting resource. Just as we can’t go for a morning run and expect to have much left in us to bike afterward, we can’t continuously satisfy the call of distraction and perform good work throughout the day.

If it’s social media that is the primary culprit, turn off the cell phone. If it’s the chatty secretary, set aside some other time to catch up. Take on the mindset that a “work first, play later” outlook is necessary to maintain our energy reserves and accomplish what we set out to do.

#3 Stronger self-awareness

Difficulties in starting a task or becoming distracted while working on a task are the two forms of procrastination, and usually progresses in this way:

(a) We tell ourselves that the task needs to get started.

(b) We get stressed out.

The reason why this sequence is so prevalent is that we’ve become so accustomed to it. We rationalize with ourselves and don’t see why checking Facebook for five minutes is a big deal, but it is. It’s a big deal because it sets neural pathways in the brain that seek pleasure instead of doing what’s necessary.

This can all be changed through having a stronger sense of self-awareness.

It looks like this:

(a) We start a task or tell ourselves to start.

(b) We get stressed or bored.

(d) We resist the urge to do something else and engage in the task at hand.

When we appease our base desires by following the first sequence, we become less happy and less productive. When we strengthen our self-awareness and follow the second, we have more time, are more effective, and feel more satisfied as a result.

#4 Maintain a schedule

Schedules are potent things. They let us know when we need to wake up, meet up with friends or pick up the kids. Here’s another thing to schedule: productivity time.

It’s easy to schedule enjoyable things. We don’t need much motivation to set aside an hour’s lunch for a long-lost friend or hit up the local spot in time for happy hour. It’s more challenging to schedule gym time or prospect for new clients.

A good idea is to schedule time to be productive and stick with it, no matter what. We’re doing ourselves a favor, too. Writing down and scheduling productive time reinforces the importance of the task and establishes positive habits. Having something tangible to look at makes us feel organized and on-point, which is great for our productivity.

#5 Begin Somewhere

Here’s something to always remember: doing something is better than doing nothing. Often, we don’t want to make difficult decisions or complete a task because we don’t have the motivation to start. This is where a just little extra willpower is needed to get things going.

For example, the kitchen needs to be cleaned because guests are coming over. Instead of itemizing everything that needs to be done and becoming overwhelmed, start putting dishes into the dishwasher or spraying down the countertops.

Confucius said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

This journey can be anything, even the most mundane tasks. As long as we’re willing to begin, the end will come soon enough.

10 Signs You Are An Ambivert

November 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Does this sound familiar? Your friends are heading out for drinks after work and they invite you along. You want to go, but you’ve got a pair of comfy slippers waiting for you at home and your favorite show on the DVR. You’re torn because both sound great. You exhibit one of the classic ambivert signs.

Ambiverts are on the fence when it comes to social interaction. Not quite as withdrawn as introverts and not as outgoing as extroverts, they land somewhere in the middle.

People occasionally fit into neat black and white categories, but more often we fall somewhere along a sliding scale. The amount of social interaction that you desire can vary based on your mood or other environmental factors. For example, you are more likely to choose a night in if you got very little sleep last night.

What’s My Type?

The concept that people fall into either the category of introvert or extrovert was originated by Carl Jung, the 20th-century Swiss psychiatrist. Jung developed the Theory of Temperaments where he identified two different attitudes that people have toward their world; introversion and extroversion.

In general, extroverts like being around other people and are not afraid of unfamiliar surroundings. Introverts, on the other hand, are happier at home alone reflecting on their internal thoughts. Jung did not suggest that either type was better than the other. In fact, he identified potential negatives for each.

For extroverts, Jung said that they are concerned with making a good impression, are less self-critical, and accept the conventions of society. Introverts according to Jung lack confidence and are unsociable.

Better in the Middle

According to a study in the journal Psychological Science, ambiverts may have the best of both worlds when it comes to success in the business world. The ambiverts whose personality test scores were between those for extroverts and introverts had better sales revenue over a three-month period in an outbound call center environment.

The results suggest that ambiverts can be assertive without being aggressive. They have the unique ability to build rapport with people they don’t know that feels genuine to the other person, even when they are soliciting them to buy something.

If you’re still not sure which side you’re on, recognizing the signs that you might be an ambivert might help.

10 Ambivert Signs You Should Know

Here are the main ambivert signs, according to science.

1. At a party, you aren’t the first or the last to leave.

Ambiverts don’t sneak out before everyone else, but they aren’t going to close out the party either. They spend plenty of time visiting and engaging people, but they’re ready to head back home when they see signs that things are winding down.

2. You split your free time between being alone and visiting with friends.

You enjoy a night at home, but you also love to hear what your friends have been up to, so you find time to do both. Ambiverts have the best of both worlds when it comes to being social and capitalizing on downtime.

3. You feel fairly comfortable going to a new place with new people.

Ambiverts aren’t afraid of new experiences, but sometimes they can get a bit anxious in an unfamiliar place with people they don’t know. But ambiverts aren’t going to avoid a chance to try something new either. It’s not their comfort zone, but that’s okay with them.

4. People laugh when you talk, but you aren’t the life of the party.

Ambiverts are equally comfortable getting people to laugh with them or letting someone else take that role. Sometimes they sit back and listen, sometimes they jump in with a clever tidbit.

5. You think about what to say before you say it.

Ambiverts aren’t lost in thought, they’re listening and thinking about how to respond to people. They can speak off the cuff too, but they also like to give their words some consideration.

6. You don’t over-share.

Opening up to other people is fine for ambiverts, but they also prefer to be private about some things. Ambiverts know the perfect conversation is both a give and take. They listen to the other person and share when it’s their turn. Ambiverts don’t monopolize the discussion.

7. You are okay with being bored.

Ambiverts are perfectly happy to entertain themselves or to find a friend to hang out with. Their level of social interaction is a choice that they make. Downtime can help an ambivert to recharge and be ready for the next gathering with friends.

8. You can communicate your feelings.

Because ambiverts spend a little time alone with their thoughts, they are introspective enough to know themselves. They don’t hide their feelings from others and they can talk about themselves with ease. Ambiverts are genuine about themselves and curious about others.

9. You’re not overly sensitive.

Other people might be touchy, but ambiverts don’t take it personally. Ambiverts are empathetic but they don’t dwell on other people’s emotions.

10. You don’t get discouraged easily.

Ambiverts can handle change and are optimistic about their ability to cope with a setback. They can take on a challenge with confidence and work equally well in a group or independently.

Final Thoughts: Take This Test if You Notice Ambivert Signs in Your Personality

Interested in learning more about your personality type? Here is another personality test with more in-depth questions to help you sort out your tendencies toward introversion, extroversion, and ambiversion.

10 Things You Should Never Do Before 10 AM

November 13, 2015 by Kristen Lawrence

We often start our days on autopilot, simply going through the motions of our routines and not paying attention to how we feel. We should do certain things in the morning when we wake up, such as meditating, stretching, listening to calming music while we get ready, or something we enjoy that will get us in the right mindset for our day.

However, some morning activities hinder productivity and overall mood. In fact, they can put a damper on the rest of our day.

Here are ten things you should never do before 10 AM

Some things are better left until later in the day. Take a look.

1. Check your email.

Although emails can contain important information about your life or work, you shouldn’t immediately check them upon waking up. When you wake up, checking your phone will make you feel rushed and take you out of the present moment. According to an IDC Research Report, 80% of smartphone users check their phones right when they roll out of bed in the morning.

In particular, checking emails will prompt you to take some action. Nothing is so urgent that it requires you to immediately answer emails instead of having your breakfast, working out, or getting your mind ready for the day ahead.

2. Make a big decision.

When we wake up in the morning, we usually feel dizzy and out of sorts until having some coffee and nutritious breakfast. However, even after getting some food in our bellies and wiping the sleep from our eyes, making essential decisions in the morning can be a recipe for disaster.

It would help if you waited until you feel fully awake before making any significant decisions, so you don’t make a choice that you will later regret.

3. Browse social media.

Social media already takes up a large portion of people’s time these days, but checking it in the morning can further inhibit our productivity. With most people checking their phones right when they wake up, social media likely accounts for most of what smartphone users do on their phones in the morning. Checking notifications and reading updates about your friends’ lives can seem tempting, but wait until you have gotten all your tasks done for the day before getting lost in social media.

It can easily take away valuable time and serve as a huge distraction when getting essential things done.

4. Check your bank account.

Who needs added stress in the morning when getting ready for work, getting the kids ready for school, and everything else that comprises our morning routines? According to reports by the American Psychological Association, finances continue to top the charts as the most significant stressor in people’s lives. With that said, mornings don’t make the best time to check your bank statements, as this might start your day on the wrong note.

If you need to check your finances, try to do it when you can sit down and take the time to analyze your expenses.

5. Watch the news.

We all know the news rarely paints a positive picture of the world, so why start your day with so much negativity and fear? Not only that, but checking the news headlines and reading the newspaper can take up a good chunk of your morning if you get carried away, which means you’ll have less time to get ready for work or spend time with your family. If you enjoy keeping up with the news, try reading just a few of the main stories, and save the others for later in the day.

6. Make a significant purchase.

Mornings usually don’t make the best time to buy something, especially if it involves a car, home, or something else. You should have ample time to consider all possibilities before making a big purchase and not fork over a large amount of money when you feel groggy in the morning. Wait until you feel more energized and awake before making any significant purchases.

7. Play games on your phone.

Another big time waster, playing games on your phone can eat away at your time in the morning. Sure, Candy Crush might seem fun, but save it for a time when you don’t have a million things to do. You can always play games when you get your errands and work done, or maybe at in-between times during the day, like waiting for a doctor’s appointment or sitting in the car waiting on your kids to get out of school.

8. Get in a debate with someone.

When you still feel slightly grumpy and tired, arguing with someone can only have one outcome, and it doesn’t look good. Debating with someone takes energy and logic to get your points across clearly. If you get into a debate with someone before you’ve had time to wake up and adjust to the day properly, it might lead to saying things you don’t mean and discussing based on emotions rather than facts.

9. Sleep through your alarm.

We set alarms for a reason – to wake up at a particular time to fit everything into our day and make it on time to work or school. Even pressing snooze once can start your day off on the wrong note because you’ll have to hustle a little more to get ready. No one likes mornings that feel rushed and frantic, so make sure to wake up when your alarm goes off to get your day started on a positive note.

10. Eat unhealthy foods or skip breakfast entirely.

It’s not new knowledge that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; however, plenty of people don’t treat it as such. They either opt for a quick, easy meal from a fast-food chain or skip breakfast altogether. Skipping breakfast can lead to weight gain, as people eat larger meals later to make up for breakfast. Make sure you take the time to have a nutritious, good-sized breakfast so you have the energy to get through your day.

10 Things You Should Do Before 10 AM

While you should avoid certain activities in the morning, some habits can add value and productivity to your day. Below, we’ll give you a few pointers to brighten up your mornings and feel ready to tackle the day ahead.

1. Get out of bed before 10 AM.

It may feel tempting to keep hitting snooze on your alarm and lay in bed for a while longer. However, many studies have shown that waking up early benefits health in various ways. We’re biologically wired to rise with the sun and sleep when it gets dark outside, for starters.

We’ve been following this pattern for thousands of years because sunlight allowed us to farm, hunt for food, and do other vital activities. When the sun began to set, we naturally knew to retreat into our shelters and sleep to protect ourselves from predators and prepare for the next day.

Nowadays, modern devices such as smartphones and TVs tend to keep us up well past sunset. Many people suffer from sleep disorders due to artificial lighting, stress, and other factors. However, waking up early could help ward off depression and reset your circadian rhythm, according to this study.

Getting up earlier will also allow you to accomplish more throughout the day. You also won’t have to rush around in the mornings and can ease into your day slowly. So, in general, being an early riser can improve your mental health and lower stress levels. Add this to your list of things to do before 10 AM to enhance your quality of life.

2. Take a cold shower.

You might cringe at the thought of a cold shower, but it can help you wake up if you’re feeling groggy. According to a meta-analysis of prior studies on cold water benefits in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, cold showers cause physiological changes such as:

increased heart rate and blood pressure
higher respiratory rate, activating the sympathetic nervous system
elevated metabolism

A 2007 study in the journal Medical Hypotheses found that cold showers increase the availability of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and endorphins, both of which can alleviate depression symptoms.

3. Eat a hearty breakfast.

A list of things to do before 10 AM wouldn’t be complete without mentioning breakfast. People call it the most important meal for a reason since it provides energy for the body and mind. Waking up early will allow you to prepare a healthy breakfast instead of reaching for processed foods or quick meals. Some options for a nutritious breakfast include oatmeal with fruit, whole grain cereals with no added sugar, toast with peanut butter, or a green smoothie.

4. Make your bed before starting your day.

Another critical thing to do before walking out the door is to make your bed. You may not feel like doing so after rolling out of bed, but it can boost your mental health and help you feel accomplished before your day even begins. You’ll feel more inclined to complete other tasks once you’ve tackled the basics, such as making your bed.

5. Exercise.

We all know the benefits of exercise, but many people still don’t make time for it. However, working out in the mornings will make it easier to incorporate into your routine. By knocking out physical activity early in the day, you’ll have more stamina and a clearer mind for work or school. You don’t have to worry about hitting the gym after a long day if you exercise in the morning.

Some options for morning workouts include intense yoga, running, dancing, or a YouTube home workout.

6. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing.

Most of us want to get through our days smoothly and avoid excess stress. However, in today’s world, some amount of stress is inevitable due to the complexity of life. We can increase our mental fortitude and resilience by practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation to combat these stressors.

Make sure to begin your mornings with at least fifteen to thirty minutes of meditation or other mindfulness techniques. Becoming more aware of your mind and body will help you feel more prepared to face the world each day.

7. Talk to a friend or family member.

Sadly, most people today suffer from loneliness or isolation due to our individualist society. We no longer live in small tribes that rely on each other for connection and survival. So, we have to actively seek out relationships and put in more effort to maintain friendships.

Before starting your day, call a friend or family member and chat for a few minutes. Simply checking in on someone or hearing their voice can boost your emotional wellbeing and quell negative thoughts.

8. Make a to-do list.

Before starting your day, one of the things you should do is prioritize essential tasks. Making a to-do list can help you get organized and provide a visual aid for what needs to get accomplished. Start with the most demanding tasks first when you have the most energy, and save the easiest things for the latter part of the day.

9. Put some tunes on.

We have so many things to do each day that it can get mentally and physically overwhelming. However, music has a way of healing a troubled mind and providing an outlet to process emotions. If you start your day listening to upbeat tunes, it will help you approach work or school with a positive mindset.

10. Get some fresh air.

Even if you only have 10 minutes to spare, getting out in nature can improve your mental health. Plus, exposing your skin to the sun will ensure you get your recommended Vitamin D for the day. So, before you get in the car for your morning commute, take a few moments to slow down, center your mind, and immerse yourself in nature.

Final Thoughts on Timing Things to Do During the Day

Accomplishing things before you even begin your work or school day may not seem feasible. However, if you wake up before 10 AM, you can knock a few critical items off your to-do list. Exercising, taking a cold shower, eating a healthy breakfast, meditating, and practicing general self-care will help you start your day on the right note.

7 Signs A Deceased Loved One Is Reaching Out to You

November 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

The loss of a loved one is devastating. As part of the grieving process, we have many unanswered questions, and we long to speak with the deceased loved one again.

In our grief, often we experience things that rational minds cannot explain. Others interpret the supernatural or paranormal experiences we may encounter as coincidence, but they feel differently. We are hopeful that the loved one is reaching out to us.

The existence of the human spirit after death has religious implications. Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, sometimes there is no explanation for experiences that seem connected to our deceased loved one.

7 Telling Signs A Deceased Loved One Is Reaching Out to You

1. Dreams

Having dreams of your loved one is natural, since you have many memories of them. If you can recall your dreams upon waking, jot down the details that you can remember in a notebook. What meaning can you gather from the details of the dream? Is there a message your loved one is trying to send you when you are unconscious?

After death, communication can also be experienced as an out-of-body experience, whether asleep, awake or meditating. These may seem very vivid, and your loved one may seem to glow with light. Sometimes this is like lucid dreaming, when you know that you are dreaming and can control what happens in the dream.

2. Random Thoughts

When your thoughts suddenly shift from one subject to your loved one, that can be a sign that they are reaching out. The fact that your thoughts are about your loved one is significant. Embrace the thought as you would your loved one, and relive the memory of them. It is natural to experience emotions along with the thoughts.

3. Unusual Occurrences

When something moves on its’ own when no one was near it, this seemingly unexplained movement could be attributed to your deceased loved one. If you place the object back again and it again moves without explanation, you may be more certain of it.

Lights flickering, the phone ringing, or animals behaving strangely can all be signs that your loved one communicates in whatever way they can. Your loved one is making their presence known by getting your attention.

4. Physical Reminders

An object that reminds you of a uniquely special moment between you and your loved one is revealed. For example, you see a black feather lying across your path as you walk down the sidewalk, reminding you of the time you and your deceased loved one watched The Crow in your pajamas on Halloween.

This specific physical object, which holds meaning for you, could easily be interpreted by anyone else as a coincidence. The fact that it happened to you and brought to mind your loved one means they are reaching out to you. Otherwise, it would have reminded you of how you always liked “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe.

5. Sensations

Physical sensations on your body such as tingling, the hairs on your skin rising, or feeling a breeze when there was none, can all be signs of a departed loved one contacting you. Or you may smell a familiar scent that reminds you of your loved one.

6. Hallucinations

Seeing things that aren’t there can be scary, since we usually associate this with mental illness. If you have had a vision of something that no one else saw, it is possible that it is the presence of your loved one trying to connect to you.

Rather than feeling fear, take a moment to close your eyes and remember what you saw. Then pay attention to your body and any physical sensations. Are there any scents, sounds, or sensations of touch that you feel that also remind you of your loved one? Open your eyes again and speak their name aloud while focusing again on all of your senses.

Sometimes people report hearing a voice when no one was there. Again, this could be a sign to you. Did you recognize the voice? Try to respond aloud and see if your loved one can speak with you.

7. Coincidences

An increase in connections that seem to happen by chance is a sign that your loved one is reassuring you that they are looking out for you. This synchronicity in your life could be brought about by your loved one acting on your behalf.

It is natural to feel fear when we experience signs from the spirit of a deceased loved one. Your lost one will continue to love you even beyond death, so respond with love in mind, rather than fear. Keep an open mind and remember that this isn’t the ghost of an unknown person; this is your friend or relative reaching out to you.

Although many people have claimed to communicate with the dead, most remain skeptical. There are psychics or mediums (also called channelers) that you can contact if you wish to reach out to your loved one, but beware of scam artists who will only tell you what you want to hear.

7 Habits Of Highly Stressed People

November 13, 2015 by Sarah Barkley

It seems like everyone feels stressed out these days for various reasons.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of working adults feel concerned with the amount of stress they experience in their lives. Stress takes a toll on our mental health and can wreak havoc on our physical well-being. The survey found that people who experience a high level of stress have a greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, obesity, and hypertension.

The growing evidence about how deeply stress can affect our lives should make us reflect on our own lives and figure out what we can do to alleviate the stress we experience.

Here are seven habits of highly stressed people (and how to avoid them):

1. Drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages

We hear conflicting reports all the time about coffee. Some people say we should avoid it like the plague. On the other hand, some researchers think it’s practically the elixir of life. Most people would never dream of giving up coffee, but drinking it excessively can negatively affect your health since caffeine is a stimulant. So drinking too much of it can make you feel overly anxious and contribute to insomnia, irritability, and digestive issues.

Try to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages to 400 mg per day, as this amount seems safe for most adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Seeing the negative in everything

If you always see the glass as half-empty, you probably have a high stress level. Pessimistic people tend to dwell on problems, and this fixation on negativity can ramp up your stress level.

When the world starts to look dark and depressing, remember to take a step back, breathe, and feel grateful for everything and everyone in your life. Putting things into perspective can help you find the beauty in life, even in adverse situations.

3. Obsessing over every detail of their lives

Highly stressed people tend to have a Type A personality, wanting to control every aspect of their lives and work hard to ensure that every little hair falls perfectly into place. However, this obsessive behavior can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety and make you unable to adapt to new situations. Remember that you can’t control everything, so don’t try.

Only focus on things that you can change, and let the rest of the issues work themselves out.

4. Expecting perfection

Counting on perfection usually leaves us sorely disappointed as an extension of the last point. Perfection doesn’t exist, and trying to live within these parameters will surely leave you chronically stressed, unhappy, and bitter. Having unrealistic expectations of people and life, in general, doesn’t usually end well because mistakes happen. The sooner you accept this, the less stressed and anxious you will feel.

Instead of attempting to control everything and set impossible standards for yourself and others, do the best you can and accept everyone else’s best effort. In other words, choose to see the beauty in the imperfections.

5. Eating their feelings

Stress eating has practically become an epidemic, as people use food to deal with negative emotions. However, there’s a scientific reason why people choose to eat unhealthy foods to cope with stress. According to Harvard Health Publications at Harvard Medical School, our bodies release cortisol when we feel stressed, which can ramp up our appetite and lead us to make unhealthy choices. Not surprisingly, most people choose foods heavy in fats and sugars, which inevitably lead to weight gain if eaten in excess.

If you feel overly stressed, try to get to the root cause of the stress first, instead of reaching for unhealthy foods. The foods may seem comforting, but they only mask the real problem.

6. Overworking themselves

Work stress is also another growing problem, with 8 in 10 Americans stressed about their jobs, according to the third annual Work Stress Survey by Harris Interactive. Poor pay and increasing work hours topped the list of concerns for those surveyed, which should make us think about our chosen place of employment.

If you work at a job you don’t enjoy, plus you have to work long hours, you might think about getting a different job that suits your interests more and offers a better work-life balance. On the other hand, if you actually like your job but still work long hours, you should talk to your boss about cutting back your hours or have a conversation with yourself if you can’t seem to pull yourself away from work at a reasonable hour.

7. Thinking too much

Above all else, this one might take the cake for reasons people feel stressed. Our world runs on thinking, in our jobs, home lives, school, and everything else. We have to think to get virtually everything accomplished, but overthinking can lead to many issues later on. Our thoughts become things, and they become a reality. Thus, we must take care of them if we want to lead a happy, fulfilling life.

Try meditation or yoga if you find your thoughts spiraling out of control, so you can once again find your center and eliminate unneeded stress from your consciousness.

20 Positive Affirmations for Stressed People

If you’re a highly stressed person, you must learn to overcome the detrimental lifestyle. One way to do that is by using positive affirmations to overcome negative thought patterns. Affirmations can help you move forward with a fresh perspective, allowing you to release some tension and stress.

1. I take breaks and focus on self-care when necessary.

You’ll feel much better when you focus on taking care of yourself. Self-care is essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Don’t miss out by putting yourself last or overloading each day.

Take breaks before you start feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you get ahead of the problem, you’ll learn to prevent it while enjoying your life much more. Care for yourself mentally and physically, and make time to do things you like to do.

2. I am relaxed, and my mind is calm.

By telling yourself that you are relaxed and calm, you’ll feel the tension slip away. Repeat this affirmation each morning to start your day on a positive note. You can also use it before bed after a particularly stressful day.

It might help if you use visualization along with the affirmation. As you speak, envision the stress flowing out of your body. It’ll help you release the tension and refocus your thoughts.

3. I get through the tough times in my life.

Life isn’t always perfect, and you’ll always run into tough times. It can be hard to see that you’ll get through it when dealing with hardship. If that’s the case for you, repeat this affirmation each morning.

This affirmation will help you notice your progress each day, no matter how minimal. When you know that things will get better, you’re more likely to look for positivity around you.

4. I look forward to the opportunities of tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a new day and another chance for positive progress. This affirmation is good to use during your bedtime routine because it helps release your negative thoughts. Acknowledging that tomorrow is a fresh start allows you to feel better tonight and stay focused in the morning.

Even if yesterday and today were hard, you never know what tomorrow holds. Please don’t go into it with a negative mindset when it could bring fulfilling or meaningful moments.

5. I feel the tension leaving my body.

Look at yourself in the mirror and repeat this affirmation when you feel stressed. It will help you eliminate your negative thinking and relax your body. Telling yourself that something is happening can convince your mind that it truly is, making this affirmation powerful.

6. I release those things I can’t control.

You can’t control everything, and you must acknowledge it. This positive affirmation for stress can help you let go of things when necessary. It’ll also save you from disappointment because you already know that you can’t always control things.

Life is unexpected, and you never know what to expect. While you can hope things will go your way, there will be times when you can’t make it happen. It’s okay, and letting go will ease your stress.

7. I know that this situation will pass, and I am okay.

When you experience hardship, remind yourself that it’ll pass. Things change in life, and you’ll soon find that life gets better. When you remember that the situation will ease, you’ll feel okay and ready to face the problem.

If you have the hardship to deal with that day, use this affirmation during your morning routine. However, if you struggle during the day, you can use this phrase at night. Either way, it’ll help you refocus and take a relaxing breath.

8. I am focusing on positivity in my life.

Positive things are happening all around you, even when you’re stressed. If you can focus on those aspects, you’ll feel the tension leave your body. As you repeat this affirmation, think about the good things in your life.

If it helps you remember, consider making a list of good things in your life. Start with the most important things, and then move on to other things that bring joy. When you list all the positive things in life, it helps you remember how fulfilling your life is.

Plus, making a list helps you recall positive aspects while you repeat the positive phrase. Before you know it, you’ll feel less stressed.

9. I am pushing through and staying strong.

When you feel stressed, the best thing you can do is give yourself props for dealing with it. Every day you wake up and try again is a victory.

Use this affirmation to remind yourself that you’re doing a great job pushing through. It might take work to stay strong, but you’re making progress each day.

10. I trust myself and my intuition.

You can become stressed if you worry about your decisions and life choices. If that’s the case, then this affirmation is for you.

When you tell yourself that you trust your intuition, your mind will process it as the truth. If you say it enough, you’ll believe it and feel better about your choices. You’ll also feel better about upcoming decisions, knowing you have a positive intuition.

11. I deserve peace and happiness in my life.

If you don’t feel like you deserve peace and happiness, you’ll frequently feel stressed. However, you deserve those things, and you must acknowledge them. No matter what happened in the past, you can and should find peace. This affirmation allows you to be open to positivity in your life.

12. I am making positive changes in my life.

Sometimes the best way to relieve and prevent stress is to make positive changes. As you repeat this affirmation, think about the areas of your life that cause the most stress. It’ll help you recognize what you must do to make things better.

With the positive change, everything about your life will improve. You’ll feel better, and life will seem more meaningful and fulfilling.

13. I can handle any situation effectively.

You can handle anything that comes your way, and you shouldn’t doubt your abilities. Repeat this affirmation each morning until you believe it. Then, when obstacles or hardships occur, you’ll have a positive mindset to overcome the situation.

14. I am doing the best that I can right now.

No one is perfect, and striving for perfection can cause constant stress. This affirmation reminds you that you don’t always have to perform better than others.

When you’re in a difficult position, it only matters that you do the best you can at any moment. Doing your best is something to celebrate, so don’t let it cause stress.

15. I am the only person who can control my life.

If you are unhappy with your life, you must make a change. No one else can change your life because you are the only person in control. Use this affirmation as a reminder that you can make changes. You can’t wait around for anyone else to do it for you, or you’ll continue feeling stuck in this position.

16. I am releasing all stress and focusing on relaxation.

This affirmation will help you let go of stress and tension, leaving space for relaxation. When you focus on relaxing, you’ll prioritize self-care and taking breaks. Even with a busy lifestyle, you must take the time to let loose and destress.

17. I recognize the small moments of peace each day.

When you look for moments of peace, you’re more likely to embrace them. These moments can come while sitting in traffic or waiting for a meeting to begin. Anytime you have a few minutes with nothing to do, you can use it for positivity.

It’s sometimes difficult to accept these moments and easy to fill them with negative thoughts. However, using this affirmation each morning can beneficially help you utilize each moment.

18. I am prioritizing the things that make me feel at ease.

This affirmation will help you think of the things that bring meaning to your life. It’ll allow you to focus on things that bring peace and happiness, eliminating stress.

The things you prioritize could include spending time with your kids or spouse, or it could involve your hobbies. Whatever it is that makes you feel less stressed are the things you should prioritize each day.

19. I am overcoming every hardship and obstacle.

You might not realize it, but you get one step closer to overcoming obstacles each day. When you wake up and start your day, you’re closer to getting through the hardship. This affirmation reminds you of your progress and allows you to embrace the journey.

20. I know there is more to my life than stress.

When you frequently experience stress, it’s hard to see beyond it. However, remembering that there’s more to your life can help with peace and happiness. Even when things don’t go as planned, you still have good things in your life.

Final Thoughts On Moving From Stressed To Blessed In Life

Highly stressed people often have specific habits that contribute to their stress. Learning about these habits can help you make a beneficial change in your life. With less stress, you’ll realize how fulfilling and meaningful your life is right now.

Using affirmation to overcome stress can also help you form better habits. The phrases promote a positive mindset, helping you handle and prevent stress better than before. You don’t have to feel stressed all of the time, and following this advice can make a difference.

15 Foods That Look Like The Body Part They’re Good For

November 12, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever watched children play with their food? Their imaginations turn broccoli into a tiny forest of trees.

Well, give yourself permission to imagine that the food that you eat is actually good for the body parts that it resembles, because in many cases, it is. Nourish yourself with this list of 15 tasty foods that happen to look like parts of your body, both inside and out.

15 Foods That Look Like The Body Part They’re Good For:

1. Kidney beans (for the kidneys)

In addition to giving you a great source of fiber, kidney beans may actually be an ancient remedy for kidney stones. Dr. Edward Group recommends drinking kidney bean water throughout the day to reduce pain from kidney stones.

2. Olives (for the ovaries)

Oval olives could be good for their oval body counterparts, the ovaries. Vitamins E and A are found in the healthy unsaturated fats of olives. These vitamins are important for a healthy reproductive system.

3. Ginger (for the stomach)

When you have an upset stomach, a glass of ginger ale is just the trick to ease your nausea. According to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Megan Ware, ‘The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through the GI tract.’

4. Walnut (for the brain)

These wrinkly nuts both in and out of the shell look like our complex brains. An animal study showed that walnuts can help protect an aging brain. Walnuts provide polyunsaturated fatty acids, nutrients and polyphenols which helps the brain function.

5. Tomato (for the heart)

Inside the tomato, you’ll find chambers just like inside our hearts. Tomato juice daily was shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in diabetics.

6. Figs (for the testes)

You may never look at figs the same way again, but those hanging pairs of fruit contain zinc which is important for male sexual health and virility. Even the numerous tiny white seeds found inside fresh figs resemble sperm.

7. Citrus (for the breasts)

Those round grapefruit and oranges with their dimples skin contain citrus flavonoids. According to a study, two citrus flavonoids ‘are effective inhibitors of human breast cancer cell proliferation.; Hooray for citrus as a potential help for breast cancer!

8. Avocado (for the uterus)

Slice open an avocado and you’ll see the seed inside, like a baby in the uterus. Avocados contain folic acid which is definitely important for women who are tying to conceive.

9. Sweet potato (for the pancreas)

The pancreas helps digest nutrients and it sort of resembles a sweet potato. Diabetics in particular suffer when their disease attacks the insulin secreting cells of the pancreas. Keeping blood sugar at optimal levels is important for both diabetics and those without the disease. Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index which benefits the pancreas.

10. Grapes (for the lungs)

Bunches of grapes look like the alveoli found inside our bodies in our lungs. A study suggests that the resveratrol in red gapes and wine may protect help reduce inflammation in the lungs by protecting the ‘enzymes that kill off precancerous cells in the process of keeping lung tissue healthy.’

11. Mushrooms (for the ears)

Hold a mushroom sideways or slice into it and it looks just your ear. Mushrooms provide a good source of Vitamin D which helps with our sense of hearing. According to Dr. Keri Peterson, mushrooms that have been treated with light are especially high in Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with bone strength and the tiny bones of the ear are necessary for good hearing.

12. Carrot (for the eyes)

Slice a carrot and you’ll see lines radiating out from the center like the iris of your eye. The Vitamin A from Beta-carotene in carrots helps protect the surface of the eye. Vitamin A may also help decrease the risk of macular degeneration as we age.

13. Celery (for the bones)

Celery stalks are long and thin like our bones. Celery’s gift to the body is in the form of Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps bones absorb calcium. Celery also contains manganese which helps the connective tissue in bone.

14. Wine (for the blood)

A glass of red wine has a deep red color of the blood in our bodies, especially the dark red blood of the liver. Red wine raises the level of Omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells. Omega-3s are important for helping to prevent coronary artery disease.

Wine also contains Procyanidins which help with the health of our blood vessels. A study found that people from Sardinia and southwestern France who drank wine with higher levels of procyandins lived longer than the general population.

15. Onions (for the cells)

Slice an onion and you’ll see the round shape within a membrane looks like the cells in the body. Onions benefit the body with Vitamin B-6. The body uses B-6 to metabolize glucose which is needed by your nerve cells. Onions also contain Vitamin C which produces norepinephrine to help the nerve cells communicate.

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