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5 Signs You Take Yourself Too Seriously

November 4, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Many of us take ourselves far too seriously, and that shows in the amount of stress we have in our daily lives. What if we stepped back for a few minutes to remember that there’s so much more to life than our job titles, money, accomplishments, degrees, and whatever else we identify with? Most of us spend so much time trying to become something and beat obstacles and get ahead that we forget to simply breathe, laugh, and take in the beauty that surrounds us every day. We let the voices in our heads tell us we aren’t good enough way too often, and we start to believe them after a while.

Life doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle; you can choose to have a more light-hearted approach, and just ride the waves of life rather than fighting to stay afloat.

“Don’t take life too seriously; nobody ever makes it out alive anyway.” – Van Wilder

Here are 5 signs you take yourself too seriously:

1. You don’t remember the last time you laughed at yourself – or anything at all, for that matter.

Many studies have come out in the past decade regarding the incredible health benefits of laughter, and how it really is the best medicine. Laughter has been proven to reduce stress, combat anxiety, and depression, improve memory, lower blood pressure and heart rate, release endorphins into the body, and even boost circulation and oxygen levels to organs. It offers a plethora of health benefits, and most of all, it helps you not take life so seriously. If you don’t remember the last time you laughed, I would recommend taking the highest dosage of laughter you can, because keeping our hearts light and happily allow us to live a healthier, richer life.

Go out with friends, watch a funny YouTube video, or do anything that brings a smile to your face. Just because you have responsibilities in life, does not mean you can’t enjoy yourself along the way!

2. You feel you must defend yourself constantly.

If you take yourself too seriously, you will likely feel as though everyone wants to attack you and get under your skin. You might see the world as a hostile, unfriendly place, in which you must defend your territory and belief systems. However, having this attitude will only keep people from getting close to you, and will not help you to stop taking yourself so seriously. Most people in the world actually love reaching out to others and having intelligent conversations without wanting to hurt or attack other people for their beliefs or personality.

If you feel threatened by others, work on your confidence levels so that other people start to look like friends rather than enemies in your eyes.

3. You get offended when other people question your beliefs.

As an elaboration of the last point, you shouldn’t feel threatened or on edge when other people ask questions about your beliefs or viewpoints. You should be able to have a civilized, open conversation with someone without taking it to the extreme and feeling like you must get defensive about it. If you don’t want to elaborate on how you feel, you don’t have to, but most of the time, others just want to get to know you and don’t mean any harm.

Don’t attach yourself so much to your beliefs; rather, keep an open mind so you can learn from other people, and they might just learn a lesson from you, as well.

4. You always need a goal to chase in order to feel happy.

Humans are goal-oriented creatures by nature. We want to have something to set our sights on, something to work towards, and something to accomplish. Having a dream and going after it is great, but not when it takes you out of the present moment and prevents you from enjoying life in the now. Just because you have something you want to achieve in the future, doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the present. If you can’t feel happy without having something to work towards constantly, you might be taking yourself too seriously. Try to enjoy the little things about life, and remember what truly matters: your family, friends, health, and how you treat others.

5. You compare yourself to other people constantly.

With social media and other forms of entertainment and news outlets, we don’t have to look very far to find someone to compare ourselves to. However, this only serves to make us bitter and judgmental in the end, and does nothing to help us feel good about ourselves. Next time you catch yourself doing this, remember that no one can imitate or replicate you. So go out there and show the world your unique gifts and talents, and stop trying to become someone else. You will only lose yourself by trying to be someone you’re not, so make the choice to love yourself today. If you stop taking yourself so seriously and learn to relax into your individuality, you will start to have a more open, loving perspective about life, and just enjoy the ride while you can.

6. You don’t have a sense of humor

If you get upset when someone teases you, it could mean you’re too serious. It’s normal to get into friendly banter at work, home, or school. If you get offended when people do this, you’re being too serious. Of course, there is a time to be serious, but not all the time. Having a sense of humor is healthy and makes those around you feel happier.

Instead of taking yourself so seriously, relax and allow yourself to join in the fun of friendly teasing. Friendly teasing is usually a sign that people feel comfortable around you.

7. You appear tough

If you take yourself too seriously, you may feel it’s important to come across as tough and strong. Perhaps you feel this so much that you find it hard to be vulnerable with people. Being strong is a mask you hide behind to keep others at arm’s length.

If this is you, don’t be afraid to appear less than strong, especially around trusted friends and family. Remember, it’s okay to be yourself, not a tough veneer to hide behind.

8. You’re hard on yourself

One sign that you’re too serious is that you are too hard on yourself. You feel like you need to work harder than everyone else. You may challenge yourself and load up your schedule. Likewise, you feel you need to do more than others to feel good about yourself.

If you feel like this, it may be good to step back and evaluate why you’re doing this. Maybe you feel inadequate, so you’re trying to prove yourself. Give yourself some space and relax.

9. Get upset when you make mistakes

Self-deprecating thoughts over simple mistakes are common if you view your life too seriously. Everyone makes mistakes. Even if your mistakes seem huge at first, they probably aren’t as significant as you think. Most people don’t even notice other people’s mistakes. It’s easy to be your worst critic.

When you make a mistake, try not to take it so seriously. Find a lesson you can learn from your mistake, and commit to try again.

10. You try to control everything

There are many things in life that you just can’t control. Being overly cautious and controlling is a sure sign you’re too serious about life. Of course, there are many things in life you can and should control, but you need to let go and trust God to help you with those things that are out of your control.

Being a control freak is exhausting, and it never works. Something in life will be out of your control. Try to let go of your fears and desire to control. Look to God for help to trust him with those out-of-control things you face. The well-known serenity prayer expresses this idea like this:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

11. It’s all about you

When you take life too seriously, you can’t let go of your ego. Everything is about you and how it makes you feel or look. You may express this by

Avoiding social situations where you don’t feel comfortable
Overly worrying about what others think about you
Getting angry if someone doesn’t give you the attention you think you deserve
Assuming people should know what you need, so you don’t ask
Drawing conversations back to yourself instead of focusing on the other person

Try to step back and harness that ego of yours. Assume that you aren’t the most important person in the room and focus on others.

12. You’re not humble

Being too serious often means you don’t like to be told you’re wrong. Maybe you don’t like being evaluated or getting feedback at work. Humility is having a low estimation of your importance. Characteristic qualities of humility include:

Being grateful
Not boasting about yourself or your accomplishments
Not giving into pride or arrogance
Being kind, not rude
Not belittling others

Begin practicing these qualities in your life. Choose humility when you’re tempted to be prideful. Keep working at it. You can grow in humility as you practice it every day.

13. You’re a loner

People who stay socially connected to friends and family are happier and healthier than people who chose to be alone. They typically live longer than people who are less connected to their community. It’s okay to be alone sometimes, but if you pull away from people all the time, it’s not healthy. Find ways to get involved in your community. Strive to stop taking yourself so seriously and allow others into your world.

14. You can’t give compliments

If you’re overly serious, you may think that it’s disingenuous to give compliments. Or perhaps you see nothing good in others to compliment. Either of these thoughts means your ego is showing. Giving compliments isn’t wrong if your motive is to encourage someone, not just flatter them. Be on the lookout for good things that other people do and genuinely compliment them about it.

15. You aren’t grateful

Studies show that gratefulness and well-being go hand in hand. People who express gratitude are happier. They see every day as a gift from God. They don’t take things or people for granted. Gratefulness is a remedy for being too serious. Fostering positivity helps you enjoy life. You aren’t as caught up in being successful, but enjoy the adventure of being alive.

If you take life too seriously, it may be time to look around at all the good things you have in life. Even if your life isn’t perfect, there is always something or someone you can be grateful for.

Final Thoughts on Taking Yourself Too Seriously

Life is hard. It’s easy to get busy with work, friends, and family. Too much stress in your life will cause you to become too serious. If you take your life too seriously, it may be time to step forward and re-evaluate your life. Try to include gratitude, laughter, and complimenting others in your day. Enjoy your life, even all the imperfections. There is beauty all around you if you can take the time to see it. Today is a good day to stop taking yourself too seriously and enjoy being who you were meant to be.

What Does Your Bed Reveal About Your Personality?

November 4, 2015 by Power of Positivity

If we are getting the right amount of sleep, then we are spending about a third of our day in bed. It’s the space in our lives that is most personal and intimate. It is one of the few places we can let our hair down and be our true selves without fear of judgment or criticism.

It’s fair to question what we can learn about someone from their bed. Well, the answer is a lot.

What Our Bed Reveals About Our Personality

Here is what your bed says about you.

1 – Are You Happy or Unhappy?

People that don’t make their bed are in the majority.

As reported in an article over at Psychology Today:

“In a survey of 68,000 people by Hunch.com, 59 percent of people don’t make their beds. 27 percent do, while 12 percent pay a housekeeper to make it for them. Here’s what disturbed me: 71 percent of bed makers consider themselves happy; while 62 percent of non-bed-makers admit to being unhappy. Bed makers are also more likely to like their jobs, own a home, exercise regularly, and feel well rested, whereas non-bed-makers hate their jobs, rent apartments, avoid the gym, and wake up tired. All in all, bed makers are happier and more successful than their rumple-sheeted peers.”

Bottom line, those of us who make our beds are happier, more productive, and more successful than those of us that don’t.

2 – Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

The color of your space can help determine whether you are an introvert or extrovert. An introvert recharges their batteries and gets energized from spending time alone and in quiet. On the other hand, an extrovert gets their energies from others in a more social atmosphere.

Well, the colors that indicate the difference between an introvert and an extrovert seem to follow suit. A bedroom space surrounded by warm, colorful hues like oranges, yellows and cheerful and welcoming pinks suggests an extroverted personality. On the other hand, mild and neutral hues like blues, greens, and browns that give off a calming and tranquil vibe suggest more of an introverted personality.

3 – Are You Spontaneous or a Planner?

How a bed and bedroom space are arranged says a lot about how you go through your day and life in general. A more put-together space with everything in its place indicates an organized, in control, planner type of person. Conversely, a more chaotic, disheveled space where things appear to be thrown around supports someone who is more spontaneous and “goes with the flow.”

4 – Are You Modern or Traditional?

It’s pretty easy to determine whether you embrace modern, minimalist, technology-enhanced style choices or true to the traditional antique design. Just look around, and it will be hard to deny your preference.

What does a design aesthetic say about someone’s personality? Someone attracted to traditional design and color palettes wants to put down roots, values family and works hard to maintain a family-work balance.

Someone who selects a more contemporary and modern look for their bedroom space is often more adventurous, willing to change, and gets excited by the newness of things.

5 – Do You Seek Attention of Feel That Less Is More?

Feminine and bold colors indicate an outgoing personality who thrives at being the center of attention. On the other hand, a minimalist approach to the bedroom says the person is open-minded and direct.

It should come as no surprise that our choices in decor, color palettes, and even how we leave our bed in the morning can say a lot about who we are. We make those choices based on what we’re feeling and the experiences we’ve had.

As we grow and evolve, so does our personality, and to keep a dated look in the bedroom may be the cause of poor sleep, feelings of restlessness, and a lack of passion and intimacy. If our bedroom doesn’t fuel us, it may be time to rearrange and redecorate our space to fit our evolved style and personality.

Final Thoughts on What Your Bed Says About You

It might be as simple as starting to make our beds. Admiral William McRaven, US Navy, said this in his commencement speech at the University of Texas, Austin:

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.”

9 Things To Never Say To A Strong Woman

November 4, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Wherever you go, you meet them. Strong women are in every town on the planet and comprise a diverse group. She can be anything and anyone she wants to be, so you’d better not tell her otherwise.

From your Grandma who won’t take any backtalk to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, strong women are the backbone of the world. They bring the next generation into being, and the weight of that tremendous responsibility rests on their strong shoulders.

Strong women are empowered, accountable, visionary, resilient, and have high integrity. You’re dealing with a superwoman, and with that comes super responsibility. She has a long to-do list and works harder than anyone you know to get everything done.

When to Just Be Quiet

A strong woman always values your input. She respects your opinion, although she may not always agree with you. She’d instead work with you than against you, so, like a lawyer, she’s always prepared with her opening argument to help you see things from her perspective. If you can’t see eye to eye, you’d better get out of her way.

Some things are better left unsaid, whether you know a strong woman or are one. Telling her any of these ten things are going to escalate the conversation rapidly.

Here are nine things to never tell a strong woman:

1. “Just stop.”

You can’t stop a strong woman, so why try? You might want her to finish if she’s in the middle of something. Whether venting her feelings or working overtime on a project, she has energy and will use it. If she’s hard at work, ask if she wants help or get out of her way.

If you tell her to stop and she’s midstream in speaking, that will be seen as rude. Tell your strong woman that when she’s had her say, you’d like to add your views, and she’s more likely to wonder what’s on your mind. She’ll stop and let you have your turn.

2. “What were you thinking?”

Even if you think she should have done things differently, this is certainly not how to get your point across. It comes off as accusatory, and a strong woman will likely take a defensive position in response. She had several thoughts on the matter, and now you can hear them all.

3. “You’re crazy.”

She may be emotional and you might not like it, but she’s not crazy. Strong women speak and act with strength and conviction. Interpreting her actions as crazy was an error in judgment on your part.

4. “You can’t.”

This one might be a good motivator if you need her to do something because a strong woman will fight to do what she’s been told can’t be done. Just because you think it can’t be done doesn’t mean she can’t do it. She’s likely to show you a lot of “can do” attitude and back it up with action.

5. “Why can’t you be more like __?”

Because she’s a strong individual woman like no other. So quit comparing her to anyone else. Strong women hold themselves to their standards. She’s unlike your old boss, girlfriend, lover, mother, sister, aunt or friend.

A strong woman can change, but she’ll do it for herself, not for you. Never tell her to be someone that she’s not.

6. “Get your priorities straight.”

Her priorities are on her mind constantly. A strong woman puts first things first. Just because you aren’t her priority right now does not mean she isn’t focused on what is most important.

7. “You don’t need that.”

As if you’ve never bought something just because you wanted it. A strong woman has the right to something that she wants. She probably even knows exactly how her budget can afford the purchase. Just let her enjoy it and bask in the glow of her smile. Even better, note her preferences and get it for her next time.

8. “You ask too many questions.”

Strong women ask because they need to know. Whether it’s to inform her of strong opinions or to clarify what you said, never tell her to stop asking questions. She has a mind to learn, and telling her to stop won’t limit her inquiring mind.

9. “Calm down.”

It’s like poking an angry bear, throwing gasoline on a fire, and pulling the pin on a grenade simultaneously. If you thought she wasn’t upset, you haven’t seen anything yet. The strong woman to whom you just said this will show you some powerful emotions.

You should handle this differently. You might try “You seem very passionate about this” or “What do you think we should do about it?” Diverting her energy to focusing on a solution is fine as long as she’s had time to express herself fully.

Final Thoughts on the Things You Never Tell a Strong Woman

Now that you are armed with what never to say to a strong woman, what do you say instead? How about “I love the strong woman that you are. I support you and want to help you accomplish your goals.” That might leave her speechless.

6 Types of Headaches You Should Never Ignore

November 3, 2015 by Chris Butler

We all get headaches from time to time. Sometimes they are self-induced through stress, diet, or lack of movement, and other times they signal that something else might be going on inside our bodies.

It’s important to know that not all headaches are created equal. Listening to our bodies and understanding our headaches, including their triggers, can help us treat them more efficiently.

More importantly, it can signal that something more serious is going on and prompt us to seek medical attention. Please know the information in this article is for education purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or be used as a course of treatment without medical guidance. It is always advisable to see your doctor when you experience any unusual, unexplainable, or persistent symptoms.

What is a headache?

Headaches are a pain in a part of your head. Most headaches (96%) are benign, but some less common types of headaches require immediate medical care.

Headaches are classified as either primary or secondary headaches. A primary headache has no identifiable cause, while a secondary headache results from some abnormality. Secondary headaches can cause disabilities or be life-threatening.

Common types of headaches include the following:

Tension headaches
Migraine headaches
Cluster headaches

Secondary headaches include

Traumatic brain injury
Conditions that affect your circulatory system

Headaches may be a sign that you have an underlying health problem. Other conditions that can cause types of headache include:

High blood pressure
Tumors or cysts
Blood clot in your sinus region that prevents blood flow out of the brain
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Stroke
Carbon monoxide poisoning

Six Types of Headaches You Should Not Ignore

Seek help if you have severe pain or the aching does not go away within a few hours.

1 – Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. It’s reported that 90% of people will experience one in their lifetime. They result from tightness, or tension, in the muscles of the upper back and neck, usually caused by stress and fatigue.

The pain is mild to moderate and manifests itself through a dull pressure or tightness in the forehead. You can treat these headaches through natural relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, massage, or even a nap. If they persist, over-the-counter pain relievers are also an option.

2 – Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches happen as a result of an acute sinus infection. The symptoms of a sinus headache are pain around the nose and eyes, a runny nose, and fever. The pain can range from mild to severe, and the best treatment is OTC pain relievers and sinus medications.

3 – Migraine Headache

Many people with migraines might not even be aware that they have one because less severe migraine headaches are often mistaken for tension or a sinus headache. A migraine is a neurological condition that results in throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.

Specific triggers such as sensitivity to climate changes, hormonal imbalances, reactions to certain foods, and visual disturbances may help predict oncoming migraine pain that ranges from moderate to severe.

People suffering from chronic migraines are usually under a doctor’s care, which includes a remedy and lifestyle changes.

4 – Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are rare, affecting only .1% of the population. They tend to occur simultaneously every day, so doctors believe the hypothalamus is involved, as it’s responsible for controlling our body’s clock.

They are called cluster headaches because they come in clusters daily over several weeks. It begins with excruciating pain behind the eye and usually starts shortly after sleep.

Cluster headaches are triggered by alcohol and are also more common in smokers.

Cluster headaches are treated through your wellness professional and include medications, nerve blocks, and even melatonin.

5 – Sport Headaches

There has been a lot of discussion in the news lately regarding concussions and sports, specifically within the NFL. It’s hard to avoid headaches in many contact sports, including hockey, boxing, football, and rugby.

The headaches can manifest themselves through tension or migraine-type symptoms. The National Headache Foundation says, “Serious diseases may cause early morning awakening headaches.

These diseases may include brain tumors, sleep apnea, and severe high blood pressure.”

The pain and symptoms are varied, so it’s vital to seek a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing frequent headaches following exercise or playing a sport.

6 – Thunderclap Headaches

Thunderclap headaches are named for their sudden, explosive pain. These severe headaches peak within 60 seconds, but the pain can linger for more than a week.

It’s essential to pay attention to the warning sign of a thunderclap headache because it is usually a sign of a more severe illness. It is imperative to seek medical help right away when experiencing one.

Thunderclap headaches are attention-getting and dramatic, and its symptoms include pain that:

Strikes severely without warning
Starts to diminish after 60 seconds
Is constant, lasting anywhere from an hour and ten days
Involves the neck, lower back, or head
Can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness

How to Relieve Most Types of Headaches Naturally

There are natural remedies for common types of headaches that many people swear by. Try one of these natural remedies the next time you have a headache. Natural remedies for common types of headaches include these:

Peppermint oil

Dab a little peppermint oil on your finger and massage it into the back of your neck, your temples, your chest, and shoulders. These areas of your body are susceptible to tension.

Lavender oil

This essential oil is good for migraines due to stress or lack of sleep. Lavender has calming properties that help relieve stress and anxiety. Inhale a little lavender when a migraine hits.

Coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)

This is an enzyme that helps remove the symptoms of a headache. Be sure to ask your doctor if CoQ10 is safe for you to take. Individuals with chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, or liver problems shouldn’t take CoQ10.

Magnesium

Low magnesium has been linked to migraines and headaches. Taking a magnesium supplement may help treat your migraine nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Eating foods high in magnesium may help to prevent migraines. Add these foods to your diet.

Black beans
Nuts
Whole grains
Coffee
Tea
Cereals

Folate, a Vitamin B

Folate makes the red and white blood cells located in the bone marrow. If you’re low in folate, you can end up with anemia. This can lead to migraines, fatigue, low appetite, and pale skin. Taking 2 mg. of folic acid and B vitamins can reduce your migraine symptoms.

Speak with your health care provider before you start taking any vitamins or supplements, especially if you take medications. Some supplements interact with medications and could make you ill.

Exercises That Can Relieve Some Types of Headaches

What activities will help relieve headaches?

Certain activities can help elevate most types of headaches. Many activities relieve stress, which is often a trigger for a headache. Activities you can do to help get rid of your headache include.

Yoga
Mindfulness
Meditation
Relaxation techniques

Other things you can do, include these things:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle-Staying healthy can help get rid of headaches. Maintain regular exercise and healthy foods in your lifestyle.

Get enough sleep
Find ways to alleviate your stress.
Get regular check-ups-During your check-up, your health care provider will do blood work to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, both of which can contribute to headaches,

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Types of Headaches

When seeing a doctor for a thunderclap or another headache, prepare by bringing as much information about the episodes as possible.

Note the symptoms, triggers, any medications, and write down questions for the doctor. The more information we have, the better equipped our doctor is to formulate a course of action.

Headaches are a warning sign, trying to tell us something. Whether they are saying slow down and relax or alerting us to a more severe condition, it will do us good to pay attention to what they are saying and seek professional help when severe and persistent.

Are You A Highly Sensitive Person?

November 3, 2015 by Power of Positivity

You have probably heard of the term “empath” before, but this grouping of specific characteristics actually has another name as well: the highly sensitive person, or HSP.

Dr. Elaine Aron, a psychologist who began studying extreme sensitivity in people in 1991, discovered that around 15-20% of the population carries the traits of HSPs. While researchers continue to study highly empathic people, Dr. Aron says that HSPs simply respond to stimuli differently than others due to variations in the brain. So, if you sometimes struggle with adjusting to certain social situations or feel misunderstood, just remember that roughly 1/5 of the population can relate to your unique personality traits. If you need some reinforcement that you are indeed a highly sensitive person, refer to these surefire signs to give you more insight.

Here are 5 signs you may be a highly sensitive person:

1. You get easily overwhelmed by loud noises and chaotic social situations.

Highly sensitive people react to certain stimuli much more strongly due to the programming in their brains – their frequencies simply pick up noises, emotions, facial expressions, and energy in much more depth than others might. For example, if you go into a grocery store or mall packed with people, you might instantly feel negative energy permeate your body, which will affect your mood and emotions. You just intuitively pick up on the collective energy of certain places, and can become easily overwhelmed by intense emotions and vibrations. As a tip, try practicing grounding techniques, such as root chakra meditations to help you feel secure and connected to source energy at all times.

2. Everyone always comments that you’re “too sensitive.”

As a growing child, you probably felt “different” because of your heightened sensitivity to other’s words and actions. People may have singled you out for this since it’s still a fairly uncommon trait to have. As an adult, you may have grown into your sensitivity and learned how to manage specific stimuli more effectively, but you likely still feel very unlike your coworkers and friends. However, this is nothing to be ashamed of. Empaths serve a very special purpose here on Earth, so just remember to wear your sensitivity proudly. Even if you may feel negative emotions much more deeply, think of just how happy you will feel when positive things happen in your life.

3. You enjoy spending time alone rather than in group settings.

Even though 30% of HSPs are actually extroverts, according to Dr. Aron, that means we can infer that the remaining 70% are introverts. So, most of you reading this probably identify as an introvert, meaning you feel more energized and comfortable spending time alone. As a highly sensitive person, social settings can drain you of vital energy because of the wide range of frequencies emitted by everyone in the room. You tend to absorb all of this energy, and can reenergize and find internal balance once again by reflecting on your thoughts. While introversion is not an inherent trait of all empaths, many times it just tends to go hand-in-hand. Try to do group activities that won’t overwhelm your nervous system with too many stimuli, such as yoga and meditation classes.

4. Violence in real life, as well as in movies and TV shows, deeply upsets you.

Many people can see others getting beat up or killed in a movie and not even bat an eye. You, however, cringe at any sign of people getting hurt, and avoid these types of programming and situations at all costs. You turn down movie invitations if others want to see anything that promotes inflicting harm on others, and you likely stick to comedies or documentaries if you do watch TV shows or movies. Violence sends your energy levels into a downward spiral, and by recognizing this, you know to greatly limit your exposure to it when possible.

5. Others often release their problems onto you.

Because of your innate sensitivity to everyone around you, others might see you as the go-to person to vent to and get advice from. You probably attract people quite often who have problems they can’t seem to solve, and want you to listen and help them sort through things. While you love to help people and give them the best advice you can, remember to nurture yourself as well and stand up for yourself if you feel taken advantage of by someone. You can only give so much advice before the other person must take the initiative to work on his or her own life, so don’t be afraid to politely tell them that if you start to feel overwhelmed.

7 Signs You May Have A B12 Deficiency

November 3, 2015 by Power of Positivity

You try to eat right and get all of your vitamins and minerals from whole, fresh foods. But vitamin deficiencies can show up as physical symptoms, despite our best efforts to eat right.

We intake vitamins and nutrients from our food as part of our digestion process. Unlike vitamin D, which our bodies can produce, B-12 comes only from outside sources into the body. B-12 is an essential nutrient that your body uses to produce red blood cells, DNA and nerves.

B-12 and Vegans

Unlike many vitamins, B-12 is not often found in plants. As a result, strict vegans or vegetarians are the most susceptible to B-12 deficiency. One solution is to use products that are fortified with B-12, such as fortified soy or nut milks.

Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi can produce B-12. Since bacteria can be found in the soil, foods that come from the soil can have small levels of B-12. If you are scrubbing your vegetables too much, you could be removing this good bacteria.

Foods naturally containing small amounts of B-12 include mushrooms and fermented foods like tempeh. Nori, a type of toasted seaweed, will also give you a B-12 boost. Nutritional yeast can also provide a source of B-12 for vegetarians. Ovo-lacto vegetarians should get enough B-12 from eggs, milk and yogurt. You can check the foods you eat for their B-12 levels in this chart.

A Shot of B-12

You may have heard about B-12 injections for increased energy or weight loss. The science behind the effectiveness of these claims is lacking. Basically, taking a single vitamin and expecting to lose weight or triple your energy level is unrealistic.

Should You Supplement?

B-12 supplements come in either liquid or capsule form. You may also see this called cobalamin. If you avoid meat, eggs and dairy, you might be a good candidate for a B-12 supplement.

People who are at risk for B-12 deficiency include the elderly, those with HIV, people who have had weight loss surgery, and people with certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, who have difficulty absorbing nutrients.

Pregnant or lactating women have a higher daily requirement for B-12. Due to the need to nourish your child, higher levels of B-12 are usually recommended. Your physician can tell you the right about for you and your baby.

Your diet should give you enough B-12 to avoid health problems, but if you are concerned, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your levels. A good doctor will also be able to recommend a supplement to meet your needs if you are showing signs of B-12 deficiency.

Why B-12 is Important

You don’t need much, in fact the daily requirement for B-12 is the lowest of all of the B vitamins. Most adults need only 2.4 micrograms per day. But it is important in many bodily functions. Deficiencies in B-12 can lead to severe health problems.

An extreme deficiency of B-12 can contribute to cardiovascular disease, anemia, stroke, memory loss, incontinence, paranoia, depression and other serious health problems. By knowing the signs of a B-12 deficiency, you can take action to reverse any negative health effects.

Here are 7 signs you may have a B12 Deficiency

1. Fatigue

Feeling tired? B-12 is important for aerobic energy in the body. Without enough of these vitamins, our bodies do not get the oxygen and energy that we need. Lightheadedness is also a sign that you aren’t getting enough B-12.

2. Tingling and Numbness

Losing sensation in hands and feet, along with the tingling sensation of pins and needles, could be a sign of a B-12 deficiency. Check with your doctor for blood work to determine the cause.

3. Joint Pain

Severe joint pain that isn’t due to injury or chronic inflammation, like arthritis, could cause alarm. Also, slower reflexes have been observed in B-12 deficient patients.

4. Rapid Heartbeat or Breathing

Shortness of breath, heart palpitations and a rapid heartbeat have all been associated with B-12 deficiency. If in doubt, get it checked out.

5. Weakness

In one case study of severe B-12 deficiency, a man had trouble walking due to the weakness that he experienced. In addition to muscle weakness, balance problems and staggering could indicate a problem.

6. Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes and can indicate several serious medical problems.

7. Swollen tongue

Some patients with B-12 deficiency experience an inflammation of the tongue. Other signs related to the mouth also include a smooth tongue as well as a decreased sense of taste.

Seek the attention of your wellness professional if you experience any of these 7 signs of B-12 deficiency. A doctor can determine if you have a deficiency with a simple blood test. Being aware of the sources of B-12 can help you ensure that you and your family are getting enough and will help prevent potentially serious medical complications.

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Here are 5 signs you take yourself too seriously:

1. You don’t remember the last time you laughed at yourself – or anything at all, for that matter.

2. You feel you must defend yourself constantly.

3. You get offended when other people question your beliefs.

4. You always need a goal to chase in order to feel happy.

5. You compare yourself to other people constantly.

6. You don’t have a sense of humor

7. You appear tough

8. You’re hard on yourself

9. Get upset when you make mistakes

10. You try to control everything

11. It’s all about you

12. You’re not humble

13. You’re a loner

14. You can’t give compliments

15. You aren’t grateful

Final Thoughts on Taking Yourself Too Seriously

What Our Bed Reveals About Our Personality

1 – Are You Happy or Unhappy?

2 – Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

3 – Are You Spontaneous or a Planner?

4 – Are You Modern or Traditional?

5 – Do You Seek Attention of Feel That Less Is More?

Final Thoughts on What Your Bed Says About You

When to Just Be Quiet

Here are nine things to never tell a strong woman:

1. “Just stop.”

2. “What were you thinking?”

3. “You’re crazy.”

4. “You can’t.”

5. “Why can’t you be more like __?”

6. “Get your priorities straight.”

7. “You don’t need that.”

8. “You ask too many questions.”

9. “Calm down.”

Final Thoughts on the Things You Never Tell a Strong Woman

What is a headache?

Common types of headaches include the following:

Six Types of Headaches You Should Not Ignore

1 – Tension Headache

2 – Sinus Headache

3 – Migraine Headache

4 – Cluster Headache

5 – Sport Headaches

6 – Thunderclap Headaches

How to Relieve Most Types of Headaches Naturally

Peppermint oil

Lavender oil

Coenzyme Q10(CoQ10)

Magnesium

Folate, a Vitamin B

Exercises That Can Relieve Some Types of Headaches

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Types of Headaches

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Here are 5 signs you may be a highly sensitive person:

1. You get easily overwhelmed by loud noises and chaotic social situations.

2. Everyone always comments that you’re “too sensitive.”

Related article: 5 Great Lessons for Sensitive People

3. You enjoy spending time alone rather than in group settings.

4. Violence in real life, as well as in movies and TV shows, deeply upsets you.

5. Others often release their problems onto you.

B-12 and Vegans

A Shot of B-12

Should You Supplement?

Why B-12 is Important

Here are 7 signs you may have a B12 Deficiency

1. Fatigue

2. Tingling and Numbness

3. Joint Pain

4. Rapid Heartbeat or Breathing

5. Weakness

6. Jaundice

7. Swollen tongue

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

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Us

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Rise and Shine On!
Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist