13 Signs of Bravery Most People Don’t Realize

November 6, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Bravery is born into a person, but it doesn’t mean you can’t change your mindset and develop courage. Some brave people are just naturals, as their genetics and personality go against the currents in life. Do you see yourself as a courageous person or feel you’re lacking? Chances are that you have more bravery than you give yourself credit.

Lucille Ball was one of the greatest female comedians of all time. Yet, when asked about being funny, she retorted that she wasn’t a funny person but a brave one. That’s an ironic comment from someone who turned the television industry upside down with her humor. However, when you think about that statement, its depth is insightful.

Getting out there and showing your skills in a time when women were often in the background showed Ball’s spirit as a trailblazer. In fact, she fought the current by being the first lady on television to be pregnant. She and her then-husband Desi Arnaz built a production company and became the first to use three cameras and a live audience.

So, yes, Lucy was brave. Her fans never knew what strength and courage it took to do what she did, so while her statement was profound, it was something about her that people didn’t notice. What about you that people don’t know shows your courage?

Defining Bravery

What is the definition of a brave person? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as a person with mental or physical strength when faced with danger. This person proves to be courageous when confronted with insurmountable odds. However, being brave is not always something you feel inside; it’s about how you live.

When you face your fears and tackle life’s battles, how you face these obstacles counts. Brave people know how to be their authentic selves and don’t hide behind layers of insecurity and people-pleasing. It’s someone who lets go of their shame and feelings of being less than and lives their life according to their own rules.

Thirteen Signs of an Incredibly Brave Person

There are many misconceptions about bravery; some think it means you have no fears. Brave people have plenty of worries but face them head-on rather than running from them. Here are some signs that show you’re what it takes to be a courageous person, and these signs are things that many people overlook about bravery.

1. Bravery Embraces Vulnerability and Honesty

Someone courageous isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. They won’t sugarcoat things or beat around the bush, as they have enough strength within themselves to be vulnerable and honest.

If you ask them if your outfit looks good and they don’t like it, they won’t fill your ears with lies that make you feel better about yourself. You can always count on this person to level with you; you like that they’re transparent. People prefer a straight talker who doesn’t tell you what you want to hear.

2. A Brave Person Asks for Help

You would be sadly mistaken if you assume brave people don’t need to ask for help. These folks feel so confident within themselves that they have no qualms about asking someone else if they don’t know the answer to something. They don’t have a know-it-all attitude, so they gladly seek help from other folks.

3. Courageous People Never Settle for Less

One thing that defines brave folks from the rest is that they will never settle for less than what they deserve. These people know their worth and will never let someone make them feel they have no options. The courageous person uses this in their personal and professional life, as they have standards and won’t compromise.

4. Bravery Embraces Failure

No one wants to fail, as it does something to your self-esteem. However, the brave person has learned a lesson to be learned when they stumble and fall. Rather than focusing on everything they did wrong, they want to see what they can do differently to change the outcome the next time.

5. Brave People Don’t Need Validation

Bravery means you call the shots in your life, and you don’t need the validation of your parents or friends. If people don’t like who you are or your choices, you will not lose sleep over it. You are bold enough to know what’s best for you, and your courage will give you all the necessary validation.

6. Bravery Is Tenacious

The tenacious person is often persistent, stubborn, driven, and wants to get the job done. They set goals and are hyper-focused on them until they’ve been accomplished. It doesn’t mean they conquer them all quickly. But they won’t give up no matter how hard the journey is because they use courage to power them.

7. Courage Ventures Beyond the Safe Road

If you’ve ever gone on a road trip and used GPS, they will give you many options for your journey. It would help if you chose the best path for your needs. Most folks take the safe road or the one that will take fewer miles and time to get there, as they want to get to their destination as quickly as possible.

However, a person with courage doesn’t always take that safe path, as they like a little adventure in their life. They’re the kind of person who loves to get off the road well-traveled and see the backroads. Brave people know that some of the best experiences in life occur when you get off the overpopulated highways and explore the less traveled paths.

8. A Brave Person Knows That Opinions Matter

The brave person knows their voice has a right to be heard like anyone else. They are not afraid to stand up in a group and voice their concerns or ideas, even if it means that they might ruffle a few feathers. This person has no problem standing up for themselves or what’s right, regardless of what everyone else says or does.

9. Brave People Never Dwell on Fears

Everyone has doubts and fears, as it’s a normal part of life. However, the difference between bravery and cowardness is knowing that you can’t focus on your insecurities. Rather, these people know how to put self-doubt in its place and not dwell on it. Sure, they get scared and second-guess themselves, but they never let these fears stop them from their goal.

10. Courage Will Let Go of the Past

Letting go of the past isn’t an easy thing to do. Did you know that bipolar was once called manic depression, which was often diagnosed by people who couldn’t move on from their past? According to the Mayo Clinic, a person with this mental illness often displays inappropriate guilt and emotional instability.

While there’s undoubtedly much more to this condition than ruminating about the past, it shows that when you live in yesterday, it torments your mind. Bravery means that you leave the past in the past and you focus on your future. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to change what’s already been done, but you do have the power to change your tomorrow. Brave people dare to shut the door on their hurts, regrets, and failures and move on.

11. They Take Risks

Bravery means you don’t mind taking risks even when no one else is game. They believe enough in themselves to know they’ve tried their best even if they fail. These folks know that without significant risks, there will never be rewards, and they want to live life to the fullest.

12. They’re Not Intimidated by Others

The brave person isn’t intimidated by other people, regardless of how many titles they have or how much money is in the bank. They know their value is just as much as the person who appears to have it all. They also know that you can’t always judge a book by its cover, as many people are miserable and appear to be at the top.

13. They Surround Themselves with Other Brave People

Brave folks want to surround themselves with people of the same mindset. You won’t find them hanging out with folks who aren’t up for adventure and who are boring. They want to be with folks who inspire and don’t hinder them.

Final Thoughts on Taking Time to Notice These Traits of Brave People

It’s ironic the number of people who think bravery is someone who has no fears. Consequently, the person has plenty of worries but the courage to stand up and face each one. Despite all the times they’ve failed, they get up and keep going because they know the next time will be better.

You must learn that you can’t define yourself by your mistakes, but you push forward, crushing your goals one by one, and this is how you will learn to live a life of bravery.

12 Signs Someone Is an Intuitive Introvert

November 5, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

If you ever get a gut feeling that turns out to be correct, or you can spot trends easily, you might have introverted intuition. It allows you to think differently, offering insights others don’t always receive.

People with introverted intuition typically have INFJ or INTJ personality types. These rare personality types include the smallest percentage of the population at only three to five percent. Both types are introverts, and their dominant function is introverted intuition.

Since this trait includes such a small percentage, many people don’t understand it. It can make the person repress their strengths to focus on things that society finds beneficial.

What is Introverted Intuition?

Each personality type has different characteristics and traits. Introverted intuition (Ni) differs from other people because it involves recognizing how one thing can relate to another.

You can sort through information and thoughts to gain understanding and meaning. Ni allows you to shift your perspective to view things differently and find deeper meaning.

You might not trust first impressions and look for patterns or behavior shifts that show true character. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung explained that Ni is related to the unconscious mind.

People who experience introverted intuition don’t see things at the surface level. Instead, they look deep into things to understand them fully.

Introverted intuition affects how you take in information. You’ll function by understanding and gathering information. Additionally, you might focus on patterns and hidden meanings to understand people’s minds.

Your intuition is the knowledge that comes without an internal reaction. The information is in your mind without waiting to think it through. You might be aware of things without needing additional information other than how someone makes you feel.

What is INFJ?

INFJ stands for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. People with this personality type are typically creative, dedicated, and sensitive. They’re also reserved and deep and have the best ideas or thoughts that occur immediately, without thinking about them.

What is INTJ?

INTJ stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. You might be a highly analytical perfectionist if you have this personality type. Additionally, you might be a private person, not wanting people to know your innermost thoughts and feelings.

INTJs are often independent and think of creative solutions others might not come up with alone. They are analytical, allowing them to succeed at their plans.

Twelve Signs That Reveal Introverted Intuition

Some of the signs that reveal an intuitive introvert include:

1 – Accepting Other Perspectives

Those with an introverted intuition can listen to others and see their perspective. You can bridge two different points of view to form a common ideal. It can help you relate to others because it indicates acceptance of others, respect, and kindness.

Combining different points of view can be helpful when dealing with conflicting statements. While some people might believe one sentence must be false, those with introverted intuition think differently. If you’re like this, you can likely use the ability to accept other perspectives to determine that the truth lies somewhere between the two.

2 – Innovation

Being an innovator is an indication of introverted intuition. You can identify problems and come up with new ways to do things. Sometimes you might be able to see something detrimental coming and prevent it from occurring.

3 – Creativity and Inspiration

Introverted intuition often involves thinking with images instead of words. These people are often dreamers with beneficial insights. They are often inspired by nature and beauty, allowing for inspiration and creativity.

If you are this way, then you likely make choices based on your inspiration. You might struggle to explain why or how you do things because you do it differently than most people.

4 – People Tend to Find Guidance in You

If you’re an introvert, you likely find comfort in silence and only speak up when necessary. Because of this, people listen to you when you speak. They want to hear what you have to say because they know you wouldn’t speak up if it wasn’t beneficial.

You can be a great leader because people want your guidance and will sometimes unconsciously follow you. They might not acknowledge you as a role model, but subconsciously that’s what you are for them.

5 – Independence and Wanting to be Alone

Introverts like to be alone and work independently. They find their best and most creative ideas in solitude because they can channel that Ni when alone. This desire is likely because you don’t gain rewards from social situations while extroverts do.

6 – Prioritizing Honesty in Yourself and Others

Studies indicate that an introverted intuition can lead to honesty becoming a priority. Being reflective likely makes you honest, and you expect the same from others.

7 – Quick Insight and Instincts

Having introverted intuition can lead to quick insight into other people and yourself. Your understanding might seem impulsive as it comes quickly and leads to spontaneous decisions. You often sense personalities and hidden traits, always looking for deeper meaning.

8 – Having Meaningful Dreams

It’s a sign of Ni if you have dreams you can recall in the morning. The dreams hold meaning, although you might have to figure out what it is.

You likely believe your dreams even if other people don’t understand. Sometimes you won’t assume the literal thoughts of the dream, but you’ll recognize an underlying message.

9 – Trusting and Relying on Yourself

When people tell you things, you might base their honesty level on how they make you feel when they speak. You quickly analyze the person and trust your gut feeling. People with introverted intuition don’t trust what other people say is a fact, so they rely on themselves for fact-checking.

10 – Feeling Other People’s Emotions

Those with introverted intuition often feel others’ emotions. They’re empaths, even if they don’t say they know how someone feels. If you relate to this, you might understand that you quickly take on the mood and feelings of those around you.

11 – Future-focused mindset

Those with introverted intuition focus on new ways to move forward. Instead of depending on techniques that worked in the past, people with this personality type consider how they can do it better in a new way. They know growth depends on focusing on the future instead of mimicking the past.

12 – Not Being Swayed by Power

Being an introvert leads to focusing on internal sources rather than being swayed by money, fame, or power. They focus on their goals and values despite the power surrounding them. It allows them to focus on themselves and other essential people rather than those with high titles.

Four Ways to Experience Introverted Intuition

If you don’t have introverted intuition, you can develop the trait. It can help you see things that other people don’t, and you can trust your gut feelings. These tips also can help those who already have it as it’s always helpful to improve your strengths.

1 – Keep Learning

You can develop introverted intuition if you’re always curious and want to learn new things. It encourages intuition and creative ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, read learning material, listen to informative podcasts, and focus on keeping your imagination flowing.

2 – Make Time to Be Alone

Introverts thrive in silence and come up with some of their best ideas when alone. If you want to build this trait, you can make time for daydreaming to process new information and experiences.

You might feel the urge or obligation to socialize, but you must nurture your Ni if you want to develop it. Make time for being alone and spending time in a quiet environment.

While you’re alone, you might consider practicing mindfulness meditation. It can help you process your feelings and thoughts, allowing you to let go of the ones that don’t serve you. Studies show that meditation also contributes to intuition and improves the prefrontal cortex.

3 – Listen to Yourself

You might hear that your gut feeling isn’t an accurate guide but try to trust yourself. Being intuitive is essential to developing this trait, and it can strengthen your reasoning and thought process. Listen to your emotions because there’s a reason you feel that way.

4 – Surround Yourself with People Who Have Introverted Intuition

Spending time with those who have introverted intuition can help you develop the trait. It’s okay to spend time with extroverts, but make sure you’re turning to people of other personality traits, too.

Being around introverted people also helps you find a group of friends that understand the mindset. They won’t think you’re being rude if you sit quietly while everyone else socializes around you. These people can also comprehend how you process information.

Final Thoughts on Signs That Reveal Introverted Intuition

Introverted intuition can help you find new solutions to problems and focus on your future. It can also help you prevent detrimental events and issues. When you gain insight that others don’t have, it gives you an advantage and a direction to follow. This trait inspires creativity and helps you set goals and make plans. Understanding introverted intuition can help you develop it and embrace your strengths.

How to Spot An Internet Troll: 11 Behaviors to Never Ignore

November 5, 2022 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever encountered an internet troll? If so, you probably consider them as the scourge of the worldwide web. But rest assured, they are nothing more than an online bully. Giving them more credence than that is far more than they deserve. The internet troll is hard to eliminate, as their interactions seem to multiply daily. Their provocation can drive you into a dark and negative place, which is precisely their nefarious intent.

While they make you miserable, there are some ways that you can identify a troll and ban them before they send you over the edge.

Trolls are on all the platforms, from Twitter to Facebook and even TikTok. They have one goal: to provoke or upset others using aggression. Once they accomplish their goal, they gain pleasure and amusement from their work. Indeed, you’ve likely already run into a few of these people if you’re online. But how can you spot the troublemaker and ban or report them before they become an issue?

The History of the Troll

When you hear the word troll, you probably think of the cute fuzzy-headed dolls and the movie. These mythical creatures have populated folklore for centuries. They’ve appeared in epic tales and fantasy writings since the early days. The earliest reference online is the 1990s, when people used the term to label people who used the malicious activity to bother others.

This is a form of harassment is a distasteful type of cyberbullying. In most instances, they don’t direct it at one individual. Instead, they aim to provoke anyone willing to challenge them. The sad fact is that there’s no way to chase who is behind this content, and when the content becomes ominous, there are no repercussions. All forums and websites must have moderators to handle these bullies–but most have limited resources.

Eleven Signs of an Internet Troll

How can you tell the difference between a bully and a troll? Well, some believe there’s a fine line. Some folks like to argue to get their point of view out there, but others are actively trolling. Here are some indications that you’ve tangled with an aggressive online bully, and it’s time to put them in their place.

1. A Troll Engages Posts Doxxed User Data

Doxxing is sort of like a witch hunt on the world wide web. Sadly, this practice can absolutely ruin someone’s life if they don’t get help to escape this bully. Trolling folks will invade your privacy and put your details online for all to see.

The goal of this aggression is to shame you publicly, and they want others to join in the task of bringing you down. There are a few sinister bullies that wish to cause you physical harm, and these are matters that should involve law enforcement.

Doxxing is a severe issue, and according to studies by Safe Home, more than forty-three million people in this country have experienced this harassment. Shockingly, 52 percent of all these attacks come from people interacting with strangers online. Lastly, only one-third of victims report these crimes to enforcement, so the online bully keeps doing these sinister acts.

2. The Troll Feels More Powerful Behind the Keyboard

Many people feel a bit more empowered when they’re behind the keyboard. They will say things they wouldn’t have the guts to do in person. This makes tech-savvy people dangerous, showing their aggression without ever showing their faces.

The anonymity of hiding behind a screen makes trolls emboldened. They can be anything they want to be when no one sees them so that they can act brave and strong, and the truth is they’re probably nothing of the kind. If you notice someone inserting themselves into your conversations and you don’t know them, they’re likely online bullies.

3. They Hurl Insults Continuously

Someone aggressive online will use words to describe others like “idiot,” “moron,” or “stupid.” Again, they feel empowered behind a keyboard, but it’s doubtful they would say these things to your face. Name-calling is often used when you disagree with them.

Know that you can’t win if you hurl insults back at them. Remember, these folks aren’t interested in having good-faith arguments, but they want people to disagree with them so they can kick up a ruckus. You mustn’t engage with this person, as they will move on if you don’t stir in the pot.

4. The Troll Loves to Get a Rise Out of People

Online bullies are aggressive, so they like to stir the pot, sit back, and laugh. They post the most outlandish comments to get people to react. Think of it as a twisted way to trigger someone or push the wrong buttons.

Like your spouse, you know just what to say to upset them, and the internet bully is the same way. They sit back and lavish in all the drama as they have serious personality flaws.

5. They Comment Without Reading the Whole Post or Article

The bully often shows aggression without knowing the facts. They read the first few sentences and then post their comments. You can often spot this online tyrant because they don’t know what they’re talking about.

These people want to spread negativity and don’t even know the whole story. They will often copy and paste parts of the article to justify an argument, but they miss the entire point of the post. If you engage with folks who take things out of context or start online wars without all the facts, it’s likely an online bully.

6. They Post and Comment Way Too Much

Another thing you will notice about online bully is that they post way more than the average user. In fact, Stanford and Cornell did a study on these folks, and they measured their internet activity versus the average social media user. Throughout the study, trolls exhibited anti-social behavior far more frequently than the average user. For instance, an authentic user might vent negativity on a bad day and returned to normal posting afterward.

Some tactics the troll engaged in included:

Making off-topic comments to draw attention (and controversy)
Name-calling
Hurling thinly-veiled insults, overly-generalized insults
Making outrageous accusations.

The article further states that trolls made and not just born this way. So it’s possible you can also become a cyberbully if you engage in negative behaviors. Just make sure you keep your comments on the positive side and don’t spend all your time online. The more you’re on these forums and social media sites, the more likely you are to develop such behavior.

7. The Troll Has a Potty Mouth

One thing that you can use to spot an aggressive online bully is through their language. Most of these folks never use positivity, and they love to use trash talk. Cursing and expletive language are commonplace. They don’t care what forum they’re on, as they will let their potty mouth run as they hope to be offensive. After all, getting a rise out of others is their entire validation.

8. They Often Get Blocked from Online Communities, Only to Reappear Elsewhere

The good news is that the online bully doesn’t stay online for long. They often get kicked out of groups and forums because of their actions. Many of them might come back as another username, but they will soon meet their demise again.

Understand that being online means you occasionally ruffle a few feathers, as you can’t get along with everyone all the time. However, an occasional online spat is different from what these people do. Even an internet argument isn’t typically going to have the aggression these folks bring to the conversation.

9. The Post Quality of an Internet Troll Is Lackluster

The bully usually doesn’t have good-quality posts. Some say that their writing only gets worse over time. They post so much that they avoid using good grammar or punctuation, and who cares about spelling? So if you see a post with quality that looks like that of an elementary school student, it’s likely an internet tyrant.

10. They Like to Clog a Thread

Perhaps nothing is as annoying as a bully that clogs a thread with their aggression and senseless chatter. Some platforms don’t care if you report it, as there are so many that they do nothing about it. However, these people post so much that it becomes spam.

Additionally, most of the stuff they post has nothing to do with the topic, is offensive to many, and is just meant to annoy everyone trying to engage. You may see these in comment sections on YouTube or TikTok videos, as these are typical hotspots for spammers. You might also see them copy and paste the same comments across multiple posts or platforms.

11. An Online Troll’s Profile Appears Fake

If you believe a troll is engaging in online bullying instead of facilitating an authentic discussion, take a peek at their profile. You will often find a cartoonish picture, not a real photo. Upon closer examination, you’ll find they have few friends–or their connections also have fake profile images. They list few details–or they share obviously fake details. For instance, they don’t fill in their employer, school, or other historical data. Also, they often start engaging in outlandish commentary only minutes after they join the platform instead of observing first. When possible, they’ll also disable the private messaging capability so you cannot confront them privately–they demand a public battle of words.

That’s all because the internet troll lacks the fortitude to say such outrageous insults to someone under their own identity. Like most bullies, the troll is a coward, albeit a dangerous influence who can cause you great harm.

Final Thoughts: Ignore the Online Troll

Remember the saying that tells you that you should never feed the trolls? It was sage advice when surfing the online community and engaging in conversations. These tyrants seek emotional responses from you, so the fight is on when you take the bait from them.

The key is to ignore them and their aggression, as these are the same type of people who might engage in email spoofing and other scams. Since they can’t get the rise out of you they desire, they will move on to the next person. There’s always someone willing to engage in an online war, and those are the people they seek.

It would help if you tried not to take what they say seriously, as these folks behave poorly and spend countless hours invading the internet looking for trouble. It’s not worth your time to comment or engage in such a word battle, but if they threaten you or get too personal in your information, it’s time to get help.

Science Explains 8 Reasons to Never Stay Up Past Midnight

November 5, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Sometimes it’s tempting to stay up late. But most people need to go to sleep far earlier than midnight. While you might think that napping the next day or making up for sleep loss later will be fine, that’s not always the case.

Research shows that staying up past midnight can cause issues because the brain isn’t designed to function that way. Even with a few cups of coffee, staying up late can have effects.

Staying up late does more than make you tired, too. It affects your overall health, potentially causing issues.

How Staying Up Past Midnight May Reduce Health

Being up late interferes with health and brain functioning in many ways. Understanding how it can reduce help might encourage you to make healthier decisions regarding your sleep schedule.

1 – Staying up Past Midnight Weakens Your Immune System

Staying up past midnight can weaken your immune system, causing you to get sick more often. Not only can it lead to more frequent colds, but it can also speed up cancer growth. You heal while you sleep, so staying up late can negatively impact your ability to fight off illness and disease.

2 – Increases the Risk for Sleep Disorders

Sometimes staying up late can increase your risk of developing a sleep disorder. Other times, it could be the result of an ongoing sleep disorder. Some of the sleep disorders include:

insomnia
sleep apnea
narcolepsy
nightmares
sleepwalking

However, it’s important to note that sometimes going to bed after midnight is simply a bad habit. In this case, it likely isn’t associated with a sleep disorder.

3 – When You Stay Up Late, You Might Develop Poor Eating Habits

When you stay up late, you might be more likely to develop bad eating habits, resulting in weight gain. Research shows that people who go to bed late tend to eat more calories and fast food than others. The increase in calories can cause about two pounds of weight gain per month.

4 – Staying up After Midnight Affects Cognition and Mood

Experts indicate that your sleep history and how much time you spend awake can affect your brain function and mood. Not getting enough sleep at night can affect how your neurons work because they need time to recover.

Your circadian rhythm pushes for cognition during the day and reduces wakefulness at night. If you stay up late and don’t allow your body to recover and go through the cycle, it can affect how you think and feel.

Research shows that being awake during the night can increase your risk of:

suicide
self-harm
using alcohol
partaking in illicit substances
engaging in violent behaviors

Staying up late can cause dysregulation, especially if you’re also sleep-deprived. It can also affect your long-term memory and cognitive performance.

5 – Staying up After Midnight Can Contribute to High Blood Sugar

Studies show that going to bed late can lead to high blood sugar. High blood pressure can be associated with other conditions, including fatigue and headaches. It can also cause kidney damage and cardiovascular disease.

6 – Increase the Risk of Negative Thoughts, Anxiety, and Depression

Studies show that people who go to sleep later are more likely to have negative thoughts. They also dwell on minor issues and are at higher risk of anxiety and depression.

7 – When You Stay up Late, You Can Disrupt Melatonin Production

Your body typically produces melatonin when it gets dark outside. It might interfere with melatonin production when you frequently stay up past midnight using technology with blue light. Not only does it affect your sleep, but it can disrupt the regulation of other hormones and your circadian rhythm.

8 – Not Getting Enough Sleep

Adults should aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Without getting enough rest, you’ll eventually feel sleep deprived. It takes a toll on your body, reduces reaction time, and increases stress.

While you can get enough sleep when you go to bed later, it all depends on your schedule. If you must wake up early for work or other responsibilities, it’s best to consider that before staying awake late.

The Difference Between Bad Sleep Habits and Insomnia

Staying up late by choice or bad habit is different than experiencing insomnia. Insomnia is a disorder that causes sleep phase delay, making it hard to go to sleep at night. However, you can address a bad habit by setting a consistent sleep schedule.

If you’re unsure whether you have bad sleep habits or insomnia, try developing a healthier schedule. If it works and you start getting into a better routine, it could likely be due to bad habits. However, if the attempt fails, it could indicate that you have insomnia.

Staying Up at Midnight Might Not Be All Bad

While staying up past midnight can reduce health, some studies show that there can be benefits. When someone experiences peak physical performance at night, it might be a better time to accomplish their goals. Likewise, if someone feels more creative late at night, staying up late can help them think of ideas and produce beneficial results.

Some people’s natural circadian rhythm is different than most of the population. They might naturally be more alert at night and sleep better during the day.

When this is the case, they might struggle with sleeping at night because their schedule is different than what their body needs. These people can stay awake past midnight without experiencing detrimental effects if they still get enough rest.

One study indicates that if you have a regular sleep schedule, you can avoid the detrimental effects of staying up past midnight. Those hours don’t have to mean going to sleep early if you can rest for a full sleep cycle before waking again.

However, if you thrive late at night, you must be mindful of some risks. Overeating and consuming unhealthy foods or drinks are tempting, and you can resist giving in. Likewise, you can avoid engaging in other behaviors late at night than can contribute to health effects.

Night Shift Workers

Some people must work past midnight or overnight, with statistics showing that around 15 million adults work these hours. Because of this, their mind must be active during late hours.

One way to alleviate the potential complications is to sleep during the same hours each day. Then, you should maintain these hours on your days off to avoid disrupting your schedule.

You can have a better chance of getting enough rest during the day by doing the following:

blocking out sunlight
keeping your room cool
managing regular eating patterns
avoiding exercise three hours before
minimizing blue light before sleeping

Seven Tips for Sleeping Better at Night

You can become a morning person by learning how to sleep better at night. When you get enough sleep, you’ll be able to function to your full potential when you wake up.

1 – Manage Bright Light Exposure

You can consider increasing bright light exposure during the day. It can help you stay awake and recognize when it’s time to sleep.

2 – Adjust Your Bedroom So You Don’t Stay up Late

Your sleep environment can contribute to how well you sleep at night. The temperature, noise level, and lights can disrupt your sleep. Some of the things you can do include:

minimizing external noise
using black-out curtains to reduce light
turning off artificial lights
eliminate clutter to make it relax
lower the temperature

Research indicates that more bright light exposure during the day can improve sleep quality and duration at night. You can also get natural sunlight to help regulate your circadian cycle or find other forms of bright light.

3 – Limit Blue Light Exposure at Night

Light exposure during the day can help you sleep at night, but you must limit your bright light exposure at night. Blue light exposure in the evening can cause your circadian rhythm to think it’s not time to sleep. It can also interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to relax and experience deep sleep.

You can reduce exposure at night by wearing blue light-reducing eyeglasses. You can also use apps that block blue light or avoid using electronics for at least two hours before going to bed.

Studies show that consuming caffeine within six hours of bedtime can decrease sleep quality. If you crave a hot cup of coffee later in the day, consider decaffeinated coffee to avoid disrupting sleep.

4 – Avoid Alcohol Before Bed

Drinking at night can disrupt your sleep schedule and hormone production. It can also lead to sleep apnea and alter melatonin production.

5 – Limit Naps During the Day to Fall Asleep Before Midnight

Power naps can be beneficial, but anything more than 30 minutes can disrupt your sleep health. Long naps can cause trouble falling asleep at night because it confuses your circadian cycle.

6 – Develop A Consistent Sleep and Wake Schedule

Developing a consistent sleep schedule can help you get to bed at an earlier time. Studies show that it promotes long-term sleep quality, improving your overall health.

7 – Don’t Drink Caffeine At Least Six Hours Before Bed

Caffeine can be beneficial, but consuming it late in the day can disrupt your sleep. It stimulates your nervous system and prevents relaxation.

Final Thoughts on Ways Staying Up Past Midnight May Reduce Health

Staying up past midnight can be detrimental to your health. It can disrupt your circadian rhythm and hormone production, leading to unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, some people function better at night as long as they get enough uninterrupted sleep during the day.

The best way to handle your sleep schedule is to consider when you can get a solid seven to eight hours of sleep. If you can’t do that during the day, staying up after midnight might not work for your lifestyle. Make changes to help you function at your best and stay healthy by getting enough rest.

Researchers Reveal Dogs Cry Happy Tears

November 5, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Dogs have been humankind’s best friend for millennia, offering us companionship and affection. Our furry friends also benefit from this relationship since we give them love and care in return. A new study by Japanese researchers found that dogs can cry tears of joy when reunited with their owners.

Researchers found that dogs experience an intense emotional response during human interactions. Canines cry joyful tears most often when they reunite with their owners. However, they also become teary-eyed while cuddling or receiving pets from humans. It seems that the “love hormone” causes this heartwarming response, according to the research.

“We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions,” said Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University in Japan. “We also made the discovery of oxytocin as a possible mechanism underlying it.”

Kikusui and his colleagues made the findings after one of his two standard poodles had a litter of puppies. He observed that the dog had tears in her eyes while she nursed her newborn pups. The tears didn’t roll down her cheeks as they do in humans but welled up in her eyes.

“That gave me the idea that oxytocin might increase tears,” Kikusui says.

Earlier experiments discovered that both pups and humans release oxytocin, the maternal hormone, during interactions. This time, researchers wanted to investigate whether dogs would cry when reunited with their owners after a few hours apart.

Their findings appeared in the journal Current Biology.

Study Shows That Oxytocin Makes Dogs Cry Happy Tears

For the study, researchers measured canines’ tear volume before and after reuniting with their owners. The dogs and their humans spent about five to seven hours apart for the research. The team discovered that their tear volume increased during reunions with a familiar human but not with a stranger.

Next, they added oxytocin to the dogs’ eyes and observed that this made the canines cry more. The experiment confirms that the hormone oxytocin causes dogs to cry when they see their humans.

Kikusui said the findings came as a surprise. “We had never heard of the discovery that animals shed tears in joyful situations, such as reuniting with their owners, and we were all excited that this would be a world first!”

Finally, the team showed people two photos of each canine: one with artificial tears produced by a saline solution and an unaltered picture.

“Ten photos from five dogs were randomly presented on the computer screen, and the participants scored on a five-point scale from positive (want to touch, and give some care) to negative (fearful and avoid) for each photo,” the study authors said.

Humans Prefer Dogs With “Puppy Eyes”

Most participants reported having a significantly greater desire to care for the dogs with “puppy eyes.” Pups seem to have learned the trick to getting their owners’ attention!

The hormone oxytocin elicited an emotional response in the participants and heightened their urge to connect with the dogs.

“Unlike any other animal, dogs have evolved or have been domesticated through communication with humans and have gained high-level communication abilities with humans using eye contact,” the researchers wrote.

“Through this process, their tears might play a role in eliciting protective behavior or nurturing behavior from their owners, resulting in the deepening of mutual relationships and leading to interspecies bonding,” they continued.

In the study, researchers observed that pups cry during positive human interactions. However, the team still doesn’t know whether dogs cry when they also experience sadness. They also haven’t yet tested if canines produce tears when reuniting with their canine friends. In the future, they aim to discover if tears play a role in social interactions between dogs.

For now, researchers know that puppy dog eyes can melt humans’ hearts and strengthen the bond between both species.

“Dogs have become a partner of humans, and we can form bonds,” said Kikusui. “In this process, it is possible that the dogs that show teary eyes during interaction with the owner would be cared for by the owner more.”

Seeing a dog cry joyful tears in your presence can brighten even the darkest days. Canines also show their love in other equally adorable ways that we will list below.

Three Key Signs That Your Dog Loves You

They give you licks and kisses: Behavioral experts say that dogs offer their owners kisses as a sign of submissiveness. Since you’re the one who feeds and cares for them, they see you as the dominant member of the “pack.” Dogs also give kisses to their human family to show affection and appreciation.
Your dog cuddles with you: Nothing feels better than snuggling with your dog after a stressful day at work. Studies reveal that petting canines can decrease stress and anxiety, another reason to appreciate the furry friends in our lives.
They jump up and wag their tail when you come home: Your pet will anxiously await your return when you’re gone all day at work or school. If you walk in the door and they immediately jump on you, that’s a clear sign of unconditional love! They may also greet you by wagging their tail or wiggling back and forth in excitement.

Here is a fun bonus fact about pups. Did you know that their heart rate increases when you say, ‘I love you?’ A canine behavioral expert discovered that dogs’ heart rate jumps 46.2% when they hear those three words. We don’t know what will if that doesn’t melt your heart!

Final Thoughts on Study That Reveals How Dogs Cry Tears of Joy

If you ever see your dog cry, don’t become alarmed. It just means your best friend feels overjoyed to see you! Or, if your canine just had puppies, she might shed happy tears at the thought of being a mom. Japanese researchers found that dogs cry in response to oxytocin, the “love hormone.” They found that dogs produced more tears when they reunited with their owners after several hours apart.

Also, the study authors determined that humans felt a stronger urge to care for dogs with “puppy eyes.” It seemed that when participants saw a dog cry, it also increased their oxytocin levels.

Science Explains 10 Reasons You Should Walk After Every Meal

November 4, 2022 by Power of Positivity

Do you often enjoy a leisurely walk after eating? Your habit of post-dinner walking might be better for your well-being than you had realized. In fact, science now agrees that even minimal exercise after eating is better than none at all.

A beautiful Chinese proverb says a great journey starts with the first step. You may have noticed the fitness fad of people wearing pedometers to measure their steps. Many medical professionals recommend that most individuals take at least 10,000 steps daily.

So, you’ll find countless fitness enthusiasts chatting about how many steps they need to complete to reach their goals. Maybe you’re one of them and have been counting those steps for a while. Even if you don’t hit the recommended plan, some exercise is better than none.

Carving Out the Time to Get in Some Post-Meal Exercise

Honestly, it’s a lot of work to keep up with the demands of raising a family and working. You wouldn’t be dishonest if you exclaim that you’ve little time to stroll around the block. However, you can make it a routine if you are determined to get your feet moving after every meal.

What if the weather isn’t cooperating with you, and you’ve no desire to be out in a storm? You can take a few steps around the house after eating. Make it a double benefit, and carry a basket to pick up clutter.

If you have a gym membership, you can take advantage of their running courts. For years, people have taken extra steps by walking around the perimeter of their local shopping mall a few times. All that is important is that you get your feet moving, especially after meals.

Ten Reasons Why You Should Walk after Eating

Maybe you’re like countless others and go into a slump after eating. If you take an enjoyable stroll instead, you will notice a difference. Here are ten reasons to consider taking a short walk after meals.

1. Walking Improves Your Digestion

As you sit around the table chatting after eating, your body has already started the task of digestion. It’s busy breaking your food into vital nutrients that your body will absorb for energy. If you don’t move around after a meal, the process may be slower, and you’ll soon notice it.

However, taking a walk afterward and getting your body moving can accelerate your digestion. The gentle exercise gives your stomach and intestines a little energy boost. A leisurely after-meal walk can also reduce bloating or lethargy if you’ve eaten more than usual.

2. A Short Walk Boosts Your Mood

Nothing is more satisfying than enjoying a delicious meal with family or friends. Nevertheless, you may feel a bit heavy and tired afterward. Do you know that familiar brain fog after a Thanksgiving turkey dinner and all the trimmings?

An article published by the Harvard School of Medicine states that walking can increase endorphins in your brain. These “feel good” hormones can lift your mood and increase your sense of well-being. Just a fifteen- to twenty-minute stroll around the block can do the trick.

3. Exercise Supports Your Blood Glucose Levels

Your body absorbs glucose, carbohydrates, and other nutrients from the food you eat and turns them into fuel. Think of your body as one of the most complex engines in the universe. Food becomes your fuel to keep your body’s engine running correctly and smoothly.

Glucose, or sugar, is a chemical that energizes your body or is stored in your fat cells for later. Your pancreas secretes insulin into your bloodstream, managing your glucose levels. If your body becomes insulin-resistant due to obesity or other health conditions, you can develop type two diabetes.

Adopting a healthy diet can lower your risks of this dangerous disease. According to an American Diabetes Association study, regular daily walks can help. Twenty minutes a day helped participants reduce their risk of type two diabetes by thirty percent.

If you already have type two diabetes, moving your feet may help manage your condition. An article published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that a short daily stroll may lower your risk factors by 0.2 percent. The best time to consider your journey around the block is right after eating.

4. You’ll Sleep Better After a Walk

Most people don’t have a problem with nearly falling into a coma induced by a calorie-laden meal. Not only do your serotonin levels rise, but your body diverts blood supply to your busy digestive system. The classic results are pleasant drowsiness that gives way to a long post-meal nap in your favorite recliner.

Your food-induced slumber may be satisfying only temporarily. Chances are that your overworked digestive system will cause you problems at bedtime. Symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and stomach pains aren’t conducive to sleep.

Instead of surrendering to a tempting snooze after eating, why not wander outside and work off extra calories? Walking can increase your serotonin, the sleep hormone’s gateway to melatonin. You can burn fat and calories and enjoy a better night’s sleep.

5. Walking May Improve Your Circulation

Have you noticed how your pulse often races when you’re running? Your brain dumps more adrenaline into your bloodstream as your body moves. Cardio workouts can strengthen your heart and blood vessels and improve your circulation.

Fortunately, you don’t have to run and wear out your knees to reap the same benefits. Quick steps can also raise your pulse and respiration while being kinder to your bones and joints. After eating, those hikes through the woods can increase circulation and benefit your entire body.

6. Your Body May Burn Some Fat

Unfortunately, many people consume high-calorie meals and snacks and don’t exercise. When you eat more calories than you burn, the excess calories are stored as fatty deposits in your body. Being overweight can lead to obesity, significantly contributing to serious health problems.

Instead of being a couch potato after meals, make a habit of taking a little stroll outside. If you’re already reducing your calorie intake, exercise can create a calorie deficit, which is good. You’ll burn those extra pounds and see a leaner, healthier figure.

7. Boost Your Creativity

When you spend time absorbing the beauty of nature, you can’t help but be inspired. You can’t experience such exhilaration by lounging in front of the television or playing video games. Let Mother Nature inspire your creativity by exploring her colorful landscapes and playful woodland creatures.

If you live in the country, you’re blessed with forests and other natural wonders that make post-meal hikes a pleasure. However, you can still enjoy the great outdoors in the city or suburbs. Take your stroll through a park or any green space that revives your soul with joy and wonder.

8. Spend Quality Time with Family and Friends

Perhaps the only thing more gratifying than an after-dinner stroll is taking it with someone close to you. It’s classically romantic to wander through the woods or in a park holding hands. You can have meaningful conversations and create moments that you’ll never forget.

Why not consider making a post-meal hike a daily routine with your family? Help your youngsters identify trees, insects, or other wildlife they see. Maybe you could start a rock collection or gather interesting shells while wandering on the beach.

Are you tired of experiencing the mid-day slumps after lunch at work? Enlist a fellow employee or two and take a walk around the block. You’ll be energized for the rest of the day and get to know your coworkers better.

9. Walking Helps You Learn Something New

While meandering through the park after a meal, you can use the opportunity to increase your knowledge. Upload an educational podcast to listen to as you go or listen to them live. You can also learn a foreign language and practice with lessons uploaded on your mobile device.

10. Walk to Bond With Your Pet

Your furry friends will adore you even more if you take them for leisurely walks after you eat. Most inside pets crave some time outdoors, especially dogs. Strolling along with you gets them used to a leash and offers socialization with other people.

Canines are creatures of habit, and soon, your pet will anticipate these routine outings with you. Don’t be surprised if they are waiting patiently by the dinner table. Another benefit of frequent outdoor trips is that you’ll see fewer accidents on the floor.

Final Thoughts on Short Walks After Meals

There’s no denying that exercise can benefit you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Simple things like taking a short stroll after meals can have noticeable benefits. You’ll get the exercise your body needs and nourishment for your soul.

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