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5 Ways to Put an Insecure Partner at Ease

September 22, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Do you have an insecure partner? Let’s paint a relatively common portrait of insecurity.

Your significant other constantly frets that you don’t love them or will leave them. As a result, your love has self-doubt about their abilities, appearance, and personality, which bleeds into your relationship. This is a familiar scenario if you’re dating an insecure partner.

It feels awful to deal with insecurity, and it’s also tricky for those who try to help an insecure partner. It can feel like nothing said and done will ever mitigate the fear and worry that an insecure partner experiences. In addition, it can be emotionally draining and lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and the ultimate end of a relationship that becomes progressively more toxic.

Not that people in healthy relationships don’t have insecurities. Everyone has them, even if they’re minor! And it’s also not to say that those with severe, profound, or crippling insecurities aren’t worthy of love. They certainly are! But to maintain a healthy relationship, you must know how to handle episodes of insecurity from a partner.

Of course, you can’t magically remove insecurity from a partner. That’s something they have to work on themselves! But, at the same time, you can undoubtedly become a haven for a partner, allowing them to be vulnerable and open with you in a balanced, healthy way. So here are four ways to put an insecure partner at ease.

1 – Be Vocal About Your Feelings Toward An Insecure Partner

Being vocal about your love for an insecure partner can help assuage rising fears as a short-term solution. While this should not be the only solution you use to handle long-term problems throughout the relationship, it’s a perfectly healthy one when it applies.

Even the most secure person on the planet will value verbal affirmation and love from their partner. So, of course, you should be regularly vocal about your emotions toward any partner. But it’s a crucial part of a relationship with someone battling insecurity, as it helps to provide regular affection that forms a steady foundation of security. A little reassurance can boost your partner’s confidence in your connection.

2 – Compliment Your Insecure Partner Often

It’s a great idea to affirm your feelings for your partner regularly. Compliment them on their capabilities, appearance, and personality. Tell them you love them as often as you can, and make sure you’re expressing appreciation toward them. But, of course, you should also ensure that your compliments are genuine. An insecure partner who realizes that you’re just saying things you don’t mean to appease them will become more uncertain.

Don’t Stop Being Affectionate

Physical affection is a tactile compliment. But as relationships progress, many couples stop being as affectionate as they are. They grow out of the so-called honeymoon phase and become less flirtatious. Of course, partners in any relationship must curb this. But when you’re dating an insecure partner, it’s even more critical to prevent the death of relationship affection. Continue trying to court and woo each other, even months and years into your relationship.

Make Time For Each Other

Compliment your partner by showering them with your time. Spending quality time together reminds both partners why you’re dating and love each other. It forms a comfortable bond of security where your partner is consistently reminded of how safe and welcoming your relationship feels. So make sure to break up your everyday routine a little now and then by going for date nights, trying new things, and spending time with each other in new ways.

3 – Encourage Communication So You Can Both Identify Roots

The healthiest way to conduct a relationship with an insecure partner is by ensuring constant open lines of communication. Insecurity can eat away at you from the inside and tends to thrive when it’s left silent for assumptions. This possible outcome is why the insecure partner must take responsibility for their emotions by learning to be honest about them.

Of course, this is easier said than done, which is why it’s helpful if you can encourage communication by being a safe space for a partner. This way, you’ll get to properly understand where they’re coming from and what issues are plaguing them. You’ll get down to the roots, not just analyze their surface-level manifestations. Here’s how to do that:

Do Not Invalidate Them

Many insecurities seem very unreasonable and unrealistic. However, it’s essential to understand that while someone can logically know these thoughts aren’t very realistic, their emotions can still be in turmoil over them. It’s tempting to try and tell your partner to move on or to remind them that you’re not the people who have hurt them before. Ultimately, this may not be the best option and can cause an insecure partner to shut down communication. Instead, be supportive, allowing them to talk without invalidating them. You being there for them will work wonders.

Ask What They Want Or Need

An insecure partner may have trouble verbalizing when they want or need something or might be too afraid to bring it up. Regular check-ins when you ask what they may need or want while encouraging them and showing your eagerness to do these things can encourage future communication. With time and patience, you won’t need to ask anymore as they volunteer the information themselves – though there’s no harm in asking and requesting clarification.

Practice

Communication is a skill, and it’s one you can get better at over time. If it’s something you and your partner struggle with a lot, don’t be afraid to build the skill with practice. Sit down and pick a topic to communicate, ideally one that isn’t highly emotional for either of you. Practice using positive language to provide objective facts mixed with “I” statements about impact. Then, practice negotiating compromise and discussing ideas while learning about how both of you prefer to communicate. These practice sessions may feel silly initially, but you’ll be grateful for them once you have something serious to discuss.

Dig Deep For The Real Problem

Tell your partner that you want to understand why they feel strongly about certain insecurities and help them get to the root of the real problem. So often, past trauma can affect the subconscious mind and bleed out into everyday life, leading to false manifestations that can misdirect you from the real problem.

4 – Open Up About Your Insecurities

Let’s face it: no one would feel comfortable opening up to someone who’s a closed book. If you’d like your insecure partner to be vulnerable with you, you have to be equally vulnerable with them. You may not have as many insecurities, but you undoubtedly have at least one or two minor ones. Sharing these with your partner will help to level the playing field, encouraging them to trust you.

Better yet, being open about insecurities can benefit both of you. According to studies, verbalizing how you feel can do a tremendous job of stripping those big, scary emotions of their power. As a result, you can support each other and form a healthy dynamic of reassurance give-and-take.

Being open about your insecurities healthily and productively means modeling positive behavior for your partner. They learn your secure style of communicating your concerns and worries and can pick up on those skills to use when they need them. It’s a win for everyone involved!

5 – Remember That Respect Is Non-Negotiable

An insecure partner may have trouble stating or enforcing their boundaries, which is why respect must be paramount in your relationship. It must be clear, beyond any doubt, that you both respect each other and want to do right by each other.

When discussing insecurities with a partner, know which lines not to cross. Talk about your limits and get to know the signs of each other’s discomfort. It can be hard to express that they have breached a boundary during emotional or unsteady moments. Therefore, set up safe words or gestures you can use to indicate that it’s time to change the topic.

What is also important is your respect for yourself. It’s easy to lose aspects of yourself when dating an insecure partner. To model healthy behavior, you must be assertive about your boundaries while indicating that you love and care for your partner. This firm line lets them understand that your own needs are not a personal attack on them and that you love them just the same, even while asserting your limits.

Experts state that boundaries are crucial to relationships. As such, you must be sure that you never cross your partner’s limits and don’t allow them to cross yours.

Final Thoughts On Finding Some Ways To Put An Insecure Partner At Ease

Everyone has their fair share of insecurities, and there’s beauty in being a safe space for someone you love to be completely vulnerable and open. With support, kindness, genuine love, and respect, a partner can feel confident and secure despite negative thoughts and worries.

While it’s compassionate and lovely to help put an insecure partner at ease, remember that you still need to maintain boundaries and ensure that you don’t burn yourself out in your attempts to aid them. It’s not your responsibility to “cure” someone of their fear; ultimately, a balanced relationship is healthy.

You should also be aware that severe, deep-rooted insecurity can lead someone to perform extremely harmful, toxic, and hostile behavior. Those unable to manage your partner’s insecurities and who don’t work on themselves may be manipulative or try to blackmail you emotionally. Sometimes, they do this subconsciously and unintentionally, so it’s essential to be aware of warning signs that someone you trust may be manipulating you.

Ultimately, it’s healthy in relationships for a partner to want some degree of reassurance and for you to provide it. However, as long as you achieve this in a balanced way without enabling insecurity, your relationship can become a stronghold and fort against self-doubt’s worst irrationality.

Psychology Explains 3 Reasons Why You Make the Wrong Friends

September 22, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

People are social creatures, so they need to be around people. But making friends is complex, and sometimes people make the wrong friends. This outcome happens, in particular, when people are younger. But that doesn’t mean you’ll learn from your mistakes as you get older. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck with some genuinely toxic people for the rest of your life.

Some people don’t realize how important it is to analyze potential friends. They just become friends with whomever they can. This acceptance happens because people think that more is more in social situations. But having more friends doesn’t mean you’ll be happier. More friends could indicate a higher likelihood of having bad friends. Just like in most other cases, less is more.

You need to aim for quality even in friendships. You want to be surrounded by people who will bring something to the table. But you’ll see that the wrong friends do more harm than good. They are the ones who suck the life out of you and hang you up to dry when it suits them. Toxic people don’t bring any value to your life. But why do you keep attracting those kinds of people? Psychology can easily explain why you keep making the wrong friends and can show you how to fix it.

3 Reasons Why You Make the Wrong Friends

Why do you befriend harmful people? Psychology explains.

1 – You Don’t Know How to Be Alone, So You Welcome the Wrong Friends Into Your Life.

Loneliness is no minor issue. It’s one of the leading causes of mental health issues. In this day and age, people are lonelier than ever. But that doesn’t mean you need to make friends at all costs. Still, the fear of having no one to rely on will make you take what you can get. You’ll still be friends even if you know that person is terrible for you.

But you’ll inevitably get attached to that friend because you view them as the reason you’re not alone. Even if, later on, you want to cut them loose, you won’t be able to. When you’re feeling lonely, that’s not the time to get close to anyone else. It’s better to reach out to the people you already know and connect with. Otherwise, you’ll allow bad people in your life when you are the most vulnerable.

These people will take advantage of you and steer you in the wrong direction. They know you don’t have anyone else to hang out with, so that gives them a reason to believe you’ll do anything they want. You could end up in toxic and dangerous circles and situations through them. Even if they seem friendly initially, it’s better to avoid slightly shady people. If you have to choose between becoming their friend and being alone, always choose the latter.

2 – You Give Toxic People Too Many Chances.

In justice, all people are innocent until proven guilty. This principle is highly moral, which is why it adapts well to social life. Most people know this principle as “giving people a second chance.” You can allow someone to prove they have changed or that you misunderstood them. But if they disappoint you again, that should be the end of the road.

Many people fall into the trap of giving someone too many chances. That’s how you end up having the wrong friends. If the right people surround you, you won’t need to keep giving them opportunities. They won’t do you dirty time and time again. Instead, they’ll prove they are worthy of your friendship by owning up to their mistakes and respecting your boundaries. But the wrong people will constantly step on your toes.

Even if they know they are crossing a boundary, they won’t care. They know that you’ll forgive them because you’ve done so in the past. So, if you keep being too forgiving, you’ll attract all the wrong people.

3 – You Have a Bad Opinion of Yourself.

The people who are most likely to attract the wrong friends are the ones who believe that’s what they deserve. In most cases, these people have been disrespected their whole lives by their peers. They have probably heard that they are delinquent and won’t amount to anything. Maybe that’s not even why they have a low opinion of themselves. No matter what the reason is, one thing is clear.

If you think you don’t deserve much, you won’t allow yourself to have nice things. And that includes your friends. In your head, you have probably convinced yourself that you don’t deserve to be surrounded by friendly and intelligent people. You feel more comfortable amongst toxic people because you believe that where you fit in. At first, you think those people are the only ones who won’t misjudge you. But that’s not the case at all. Not long after you befriend them, you’ll see that the wrong friends will always judge you.

You’ll likely end up judging each other and trying to tear each other down. You might feel superior to them at first, which might be nice. But that’s no reason to be friends with someone. If you have a poor opinion of yourself, don’t seek validation from others. The only person who can give you that boost of confidence is yourself.

3 Ways to Start Making The Right Friends

Now that you know why let’s look at how to start choosing more reliable friends.

1 – Be More Independent.

It’s always nice to have friends. But they are an addition to your life, not the entirety of it. To stop making the wrong friends, you need to become more independent. This way, you can be more selective and ensure you only allow the right people in your life.

It would be best if you learned to fill some time alone. If you have too much free time on your hands, you should consider taking a class. Maybe find a new activity that you enjoy doing. Invest more time in the hobbies you already have. This way, you’ll better yourself while learning how to be happy on your own.

Instead of waiting for friends to ask you to hang out, take yourself out. As you get older, you’ll start preferring your company much more. As soon as you become more independent, you’ll be more selective regarding who you spend your time with.

2 – Learn How to Hold Toxic People Accountable.

In any human relationship, boundaries are vital. You probably know that you need them in romantic relationships. But most people neglect them in platonic relationships. This is how you end up giving people too many chances and not holding them accountable, which is why you end up with the wrong friends.

If you learn to hold people accountable, that won’t happen anymore. When you think about befriending someone, make sure they know your boundaries. Make sure you communicate which things you’re okay with and which are deal breakers.

They’re keepers if they respect those boundaries and communicate them with you. That’s because they’ll own up to their mistake and fix it when they mess up. But it would be best if you held even your current friends accountable. If anyone in your life does wrong to you, don’t let them off the hook. If they can’t own up to their mistakes, it’s time to cut them loose.

3 – Work on Your Self-Esteem to Avoid the Wrong Friends.

If you are satisfied with how your life is going, you’ll attract positivity. But if you have a negative mindset and allow others to tear you down, you’ll probably attract negativity. No one else can help you build your self-esteem but yourself. If you wait for approval, you’ll just become dependent on others for your happiness.

And, you are more likely to allow those people to walk all over you. Don’t make the mistake of believing that you aren’t worthy of any good just because you are not perfect. Imperfection is part of the human experience, and it’s okay if you are still struggling. To some extent, everyone is. You deserve to be surrounded by amazing people even if you haven’t reached your full potential.

To work on your self-esteem, you must understand that your value does not come from your accomplishments. If you look worse than someone else, that doesn’t make you less valuable. Your value comes from how you treat yourself and others. You’re more than worthy if you are kind and don’t tear yourself or others down. The sooner you shift your perspective about yourself, the sooner you attract valuable people.

Don’t settle for the wrong friends just because you think you won’t get any better. Strive to have more, and be patient. In time, the right people will enter your life.

Final Thoughts on Some Reasons Why You Make the Wrong Friends

Making friends is no easy feat. Throughout your life, you’ll inevitably make the wrong friends. That’s just how life goes. It’s essential to keep those incidents isolated. Having one toxic friend can be a learning experience. But only being surrounded by toxic people is something no one should ever want. If you find yourself making only the wrong friends, the good thing is that you can change that.

There are many reasons why someone would make the wrong friends. For instance, you could be making bad friends because you are afraid of being alone. Or maybe it’s because you believe you’re a terrible person, and that’s all you deserve. You’ll only attract bad people if you have a low opinion of yourself. You could also give people too many chances and allow them to step on your toes.

In those cases, your friends won’t need to make an effort or be accountable for their actions. If you want to avoid that, you need to put in some work. The best thing you can do is work on your independence. It’s nice to be alone and have time for your hobbies. If you’re satisfied with your life, you will look for people who complement it.

That way, you’ll rule out the bad ones from the start. Work on your self-esteem and ensure you are satisfied with who you are. Lastly, make sure you communicate your boundaries. Let toxic people know what you need, want, and what sets you off. If they respect that, keep them in your life. If they flagrantly disregard your wishes, it’s time to cut them loose.

11 Easy Ways to Go Vegan

September 22, 2022 by Chris Butler

If you want to go vegan, you couldn’t have picked a better time. Today, going vegan is easy, with most grocery stores offering a wide assortment of plant-based foods. Here are eleven ways to go vegan without missing the meat with so many healthy vegan choices.

Is a plant-based diet healthy?

If you want to go vegan but are concerned about this diet’s health, you are in luck. A vegan diet has been proven to help you:

Lose weight
Lowers your risk of heart disease
Lower your cholesterol
Manage your blood sugar
Reduce the number of medications you take
Decreases your risk of cancer

Eleven tips to help you go vegan

When you talk about getting healthy, avoiding terms like vegetarian or vegan, eating more plant-based foods, and eating less meat, dairy and eggs may be helpful. This shift in language makes the whole idea of eating this way feel less of a significant life change.

1. Make your regular recipes vegan friendly

If you want to do away with meat, it’s not that hard, especially if you choose good vegan alternatives. Take your favorite recipes and make them vegan friendly by using plant-based meatless options such as:

Vegan burgers
Vegan chicken nuggets
Faux bacon
Beefless strips
Veggie hot dogs

You can also come up with unique ways to make your recipes vegan. You can swap out regular ingredients for vegan-friendly ones. Try these:

Butter: Vegan butter or olive oil
Milk: Oat, almond, cashew, hemp, and coconut milk.
Jackfruit: It’s a good substitute for chicken or beef. Use it in pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or gyros.
Aquafaba: This is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It’s a good egg white substitute for mousse, meringues, sponges, or brownies. Mix it with sugar and lemon juice to create a vegan royal icing.

2. Don’t rush into your new plant-based diet

One of the biggest mistakes people who want to go vegan make is going all out all at once. It’s best to take it slow. You may want to stop eating as much meat and eat more veggies. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. But focusing on eating more plant-based foods is an excellent first step. Other things you can try are these:

Eat meat-free at least one or two days a week
Increase the plant-based foods in each meal
Lower the amount of meat you use in a meal. If you used 6 ounces of red meat in a spaghetti sauce, lower it to 4 ounces in the spaghetti sauce. Eventually, you can substitute a meat alternative.
Be patient. You may fall off the wagon and eat a beef taco, but that’s okay. Start fresh again tomorrow.

3. Think more about what you can eat

When you’re eating a new diet, it’s easy to ruminate about what you miss. But eating plant-based isn’t a big sacrifice when you focus on what you can eat rather than what you can’t eat. If there’s a food you miss, take a bite of it and ask yourself.

Is this food as good as you thought?
Do I need another bite?
Why do I miss it so much?
Is it a texture thing or a flavor issue?
What vegan alternative would taste good right now?

Before you know it, you won’t miss non-vegan foods as much. Most of these thoughts are in your head, and there are so many great-tasting plant-based foods you can try. Experiment with plant-based ice cream, cheese, and other snacks.

4. Try store-bought vegan meals

Does broccoli cheese bake, tamale Verde, and cheese chili mac meals sound good enough to eat? If it does, then you should try store-bought vegan frozen meals. These are more available in your grocery store’s frozen food aisle. Gone are the days of making all your vegan meals from scratch. Today, there is a vast assortment of frozen meals, bread, and desserts. You don’t need to feel deprived if you want to go vegan. Load up on these meals for quick lunches or when you’re too tired to prepare dinner. It’s an easy way to go vegan without missing the meat.

5. Go to vegan or vegetarian restaurants

There are vegan restaurants in almost every area of the country. Many of them are budget-friendly places with delicious foods. Eating at a plant-based restaurant inspires you to try new foods and maybe try to recreate them at home. Plus, many popular chain restaurants now offer plant-based alternative meals. This option makes it easier when you’re out with friends who don’t want to eat at a plant-based restaurant. National chain restaurants that offer plant-based alternative meals include:

Chipotle
White Castle
The Cheesecake Factory
PF Changs

Another way to find vegan-friendly restaurants is to download the Happy Cow app. It lists the vegan and vegetarian restaurants in your area and worldwide. There’s a paid version for Apple devices and a free and paid one for Android devices.

6. Try vegan ethnic foods

Many ethnic meals are meat-free. These vegan and vegetarian cuisines are worth checking out. Ethnic foods that offer plant-based meals include:

Chinese
Lebanese
Mexican
Italian
Korean
Indian

Try them at home or explore an ethnic restaurant to try these delicious dishes.

Don’t be shy about exploring new cuisines.

7. Avoid vegan junk foods

Avoid eating vegan-friendly junk foods. It’s not healthy, and you won’t feel good. Instead, focus on eating whole foods, like beans, fruit, veggies, and grains. This focus guarantees you’re getting the nutrition you need. Eat some fast food once in a while.

8. Start with easy recipes when you first go vegan

Remember, you’re just getting started. Take it slow and cook with what you know. Keep it real for you. Using complicated ingredients or following multi-step recipes can overwhelm you when you first try a vegan diet. Try simple dishes such as.

Vegetarian chili
Veggie stir fry
Pasta and zucchini with red sauce

9. Stay organized

Learning how to eat vegan is easiest if you stay organized. Follow these tips for staying organized.

Stock up on the right ingredients
Shop with a list, not from your head
Go to the grocery after you’ve eaten- There’s nothing worse than shopping when you’re hungry.
Plan our meals-Write the meals you want to have for the week. This helps you know what to buy.
Buy some prepared vegan meals-Be sure to buy pre-made vegan meals for quick, easy meals.

10. Get help; learn how to go vegan from online communities

You can feel lonely munching on a salad when you’re out with friends who are eating pepperoni pizza. There are many groups and organizations to help you eat plant-based. Check out these helpful sites:

The Vegan Society and Veganuary are great resources loaded with recipes, articles, and useful information to help you.
Some magazines contain nutrition guides and recipe ideas. Vegan Food, Living and Plantbased Magazine are two popular vegan magazines to try.

11. Stay with your new plant-based menu

Most of all, don’t give up. Stick with the diet even if you have some bad days. Ask a vegan friend for their favorite recipes and what things they found helpful to keep eating plant-based meals. Getting their inspiration helps you not give up.

Is it expensive to go vegan?

Eating plant-based doesn’t need to be expensive. If you plan and buy wisely, you can eat a vegetarian or vegan diet on a budget. Here are some suggestions for keeping your budget intact while eating a plant-based diet.

Use dry beans: They’re cheaper, but you need to soak them overnight. That’s not a problem if you plan. Through the amount, you go into a bowl of water and put it into the fridge for the night. When you get up, they’ll be ready to cook the way you want.
Buy frozen foods: Frozen veggies and fruits are just as healthy as fresh, and they last longer. Load up on a good supply of them, so they’re ready when you need them for soups, casseroles, or stews.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a superfood for vegan eaters. It’s packed with fiber, iron, and calcium. Plus, it’s a cheap food that is great in many dishes.
Produce that’s on sale: Follow a rule that says don’t buy any product that is more than $2.00 a pound. Too limiting, you say? Then raise it to $2.50 a pound. Just stick to this rule, and you’ll save.
Splurge wisely: If you must splurge, choose one thing that will enhance all your meals. Some plant-based eaters suggest buying Veganasie since you can use it in salad dressings or sauces, but it’s your splurge, so you decide.
Eat more soup: Soup is healthy, and it’s cheap. You can make a decent broth by boiling a mix of veggies like celery, carrots, potatoes, or squash. Once you have a nice broth with chopped-up veggies, add pepper, salt, a dash of lemon juice, and Tabasco. Viola! You have a heart-healthy, delicious soup that costs you pennies to make.
Stock up on staples: Keep your pantry stocked with basics like pasta, rice, peanut butter, flour, and brown sugar.

Meal ideas if you decide to go vegan

Here are some budget-friendly vegan meal ideas you can try this week.

Breakfast

Oatmeal
Tofu scramble
Bagel with vegan butter
Fruit smoothie
Cereal with almond milk

Lunch

Peanut noodles
Pasta with marinara
Falafel in pita
Hummus wrap
Avocado toast

Dinner

Veggie stir-fry
Loaded baked potato
Veggie burger
Curried chickpeas
Salad and soup
Lentil chili

Final thoughts on little changes to help you go vegan

It’s a great time to go vegan. Most grocery stores offer a wide variety of plant-based products and meat alternatives. It’s also easy because there are a lot of vegan-friendly frozen foods and vegetarian and vegan restaurants. If you want to try eating a vegan diet, be sure to take it slow and be patient with yourself. You’ll enjoy plant-based eating benefits as you learn to use vegan recipes and adapt to the diet.

8 Signs Someone Has Eco-Anxiety

September 21, 2022 by Power of Positivity

You’re familiar with anxiety disorders, but have you heard of eco-anxiety? It’s a relatively new type of anxiety, first coined in 2017. Indeed, it’s a novel term that the American Psychiatric Association has not yet added to the DSM-5.

However, due to the overwhelming amount of folks who live in chronic fear of doom in their environment, it’s become a disorder that warrants further investigation. Eco-anxiety is a term that many psychologists and psychiatrists use. It describes people who are anxious and worrying continually about the world around them.

It falls within the ecopsychology field and significantly impacts one’s overall health. Many folks are drastically affected by the changes in the climate, the significant food shortages, and a broken medical system that causes many to be unable to get care. Eco-anxiety goes far beyond just being worried and anxious like you see with traditional nervousness, as it leads to severe problems with your health and well-being.

Many experts believe that the ongoing influences of climate change are to blame for this condition. The sea levels are slowly rising due to glaciers melting in the artic. As the water levels increase, it changes the weather patterns.

The climate has become quite harsh at times, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It’s only standard for people to feel these atmospheric pressure changes impacting their mental health.

Eight Signs of Eco-Anxiety Most People Don’t Realize

Are you anxious and worried about the environment more than you should? The American Psychiatric Association conducted a study in 2020 to see how many people are affected by this new form of anxiety, and the numbers were staggering.

They discovered that 67 percent of the population is affected by the environmental changes around them. Are you one of these people? Some signs indicate that you have this radical new form of anxiety.

1. Overwhelmed By the Need to Build Eco-Friendly Habits

You’re spastic about creating eco-friendly habits that can help to save Mother Earth. You’re so overwhelmed by it that it makes you angry when others are lackluster with their efforts, like recycling.

You want to reduce your carbon footprint, and with every step you take, you have preservation in mind. It’s consuming your life, and you can’t be too careful as worrying about the planet has become who you are. Others may think you’re unbalanced but on a mission to help.

2. Extreme Weather Terrifies You

While most folks worry about wildfires and floods, it’s become a phobia for you. You need to know what’s happening with the weather where you live and around the globe.

Many people prefer to listen to the regular news, but you can’t help but focus on the weather aspects. If there’s a hurricane, major snowstorm, or tsunami, you find yourself glued to the TV or other electronics, waiting for new developments.

3. Anticipatory Anxiety is Common With Eco-Anxiety

You have a primal instinct inside you to feel safe. You become hypervigilant when you think there’s a threat to your overall well-being. You’re constantly observing and on guard, looking for changes.

It’s called anticipatory anxiety and its fear of future impending doom. Your sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear, and you’re in fear of things that haven’t occurred yet.

4. The Effects of Ecological Change on Wildlife Causes Meltdowns

You’re an animal lover, and the thoughts of what climate change is doing to these defenseless creatures send your anxiety skyrocketing. The barrage of agonizing information that scrolls on the TV and social media cause you to have anxious symptoms just by seeing it. Not only are you worrying about your health and well-being, but the wildlife affected is too much for you to fathom.

5. Doom Scrolling is a Normal Part of Your Life

You try to stop yourself, but you can’t help but find the latest news on climate issues and the world around you. Your phone is set to alert you of any late-breaking news, and you find that your free time is spent doom scrolling.

You find security in knowing what’s going on, and if you’re away from the internet for any period, you’re worried and anxious until you can find out the latest developments.

6. You Can’t Make Plans for the Future as a Result of Your Eco-Anxiety

While many folks are planning for their future, you’re chronically worrying, and it won’t allow you to see beyond today. Your doom and gloom outlook is affecting all aspects of your life.

You find yourself talking about the end of the world more than you should, and you can’t even think about your tomorrow because you’re anxious and terrified of what might happen around you today.

7. Your Eco-Anxiety Manifests in Chronic Physical Symptoms

Folks who have eco-anxiety may have the condition manifest in various ways. You may have panic attacks and digestive issues and reduce your ability to focus. In many instances, these symptoms have become chronic and sometimes even intolerable.

What you need to determine is whether this is coming from anxiety alone or if there’s an underlying condition like a mood or personality disorder.

8. You Feel Like an Outsider in Your Community

The world around you focuses on materialism and building wealth. But your focus oon the environment might make you feel lonely. You’re so passionate about your efforts that if you see someone littering, it sends you into a meltdown. People that don’t care about the world around them and only focus on themselves make you see red.

Five Ways to Calm the Mind from Eco-Anxiety

If your anxious and worrying nature is causing you to miss out on the beauty of the world around you, you need to calm your mind. While it’s okay to have some concerns about your tomorrow and the earth around you, you can’t live in fear.

Being in a constant state of angst isn’t good for your heart, blood pressure, or overall well-being. Here are some ways that you can help to release anxiety.

1. Find Organizations to Join to Fight Climate Change

Finding an organization to get behind and assist in their efforts to preserve the earth may be beneficial. Becoming part of a group rather than just a party of one helps to ground you.

Seeing people making positive changes that benefit Mother Earth can be very calming as you know something is being done. Plus, being around like-minded individuals working together for a cause can stop some of the worrying.

2. Record Your Accomplishments

Many people keep a journal as a chronological report of their life. You can also construct such a book about your efforts to help the earth.

You can put eco-anxiety in its place by keeping a journal. When you feel your anxiety boiling over, you can pull out this book to remind you of everything you’ve done to help.

3. Set Limitations on Scrolling

For your mental health, you must limit the amount of scrolling you do on the internet. This is true not only of climate issues but of information in general. While the internet is a valuable and helpful tool, it can also be very destructive to an anxious person.

Set firm time limits and allow yourself only certain times to scroll so you’re not overwhelmed with it. Another consideration is to choose your news outlets wisely. You want to listen to people try to help with change and not just report doom and gloom all the time.

4. Meditation Can Improve Eco-Anxiety

The fear of the weather may stem from weathering some storms in life. Do you have an ongoing condition like post-traumatic stress disorder? These anxiety-based issues can be managed through things like meditation and exercise. When you feel your eco-anxiety heading into overdrive, why not turn to meditation to help?

5. Join an Online Anxiety Support Group

It’s often lonely when you suffer from anxiety and think no one understands your feelings. Thankfully, there’s a growing awareness of eco-anxiety, and even online support groups can help.

Talking with like-minded individuals who share their passions for the earth like you can be healing. One online group is The Good Grief Network. They have a plethora of information, videos, and a chat forum where you can connect with others with similar viewpoints.

Final Thoughts on Eco-Anxiety and How to Calm the Anxious Thoughts

Eco-anxiety seems to be a new part of life for some people. If you find that your excessive worrying is causing you great distress, it may be time to talk to an expert. A therapist can help you to understand these fears, put them in their proper place, and teach you to be proactive.

You’ll feel much better when you’re doing something rather than sitting and being anxious about it. While it’s essential to help the animals and the world around you, you cannot forget to help yourself. Self-care is critical; if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be much good to any worthy cause.

You need to ensure you’re getting proper rest, good nutrition, and the exercise you need to stay healthy. Anxiety can ruin your life if you allow it to do so, but you can turn all this passion and worry into motivation to make a change.

20 Skincare Tips to Prevent Pimples

September 21, 2022 by Chris Butler

A pimple is an inflamed blemish in a blocked pore on the surface layer of your skin. Acne spots can appear red or with spots of white (whiteheads) or black (blackheads). These unsightly bumps occur because of an overproduction of oil and bacteria buildup. Pimples show up on your face, chest, neck, and shoulders because that’s where there are lots of oil glands. If you struggle with persistent acne, it’s natural to feel frustrated by lingering marks and uneven skin tone. Fortunately, effective acne scar treatment options can help reduce these scars, restoring your skin’s smoothness and clarity. Here are twenty skincare tips to help you prevent new blemishes and achieve a radiant, healthy complexion.

What’s the difference between acne and pimples?

Pimples are small growth in clogged pores of your skin. These pus-filled blemishes get inflamed and red. On the other hand, acne is a disease. Pimples are a symptom you may have acne. Acne causes pimples to develop on your face, neck, or chest. Teenagers and young adults are prone to pimples due to hormonal changes. Many adults get pimples into their twenties and thirties.

20 Skincare Tips to Prevent Pimples

1. Develop a good skincare routine to eliminate pimples

Washing your face is the number one skincare practice to prevent pimples. Daily washing removes dirt, dead skin, and any extra oil buildup. Avoid washing your face more than a couple of times daily because you’ll dry out your skin. Use warm water and a mild cleanser designed for your face. Harsh soaps are too abrasive. They can make the inflammation from the pimples worse. Don’t scrub too hard. Instead, use a washcloth or your hands. Always rinse your face well and dry your face with a clean towel. Wash the towel and washcloth daily to prevent the spread of bacteria.

2. Moisturize

If you have pimples, you might think you should skip moisturizer. Instead, choose a moisturizer that will prevent dryness or peeling. The moisturizer you choose should say “noncomedogenic” on the label. This designation means it won’t cause blemishes or breakouts. Next, choose the moisturizer that fits your skin best–dry, oil, or combination skin.

3. Sugar or salt scrubs are a treat to add to your skincare routine

Sugar and salt scrubs exfoliate the dead cells on your skin. Wet your face, rub a small amount of sugar or salt onto your skin, and gently massage your skin using a circular motion. After thirty seconds of scrubbing, rinse your face with water. Pat dry with a towel.

4. Ice the pimples

If you have a pimple breakout, try applying ice to the area. The ice will reduce irritation and inflammation. Don’t apply ice directly onto your skin; put it inside a towel. Apply the towel with the ice on your pimples two or three times a day. You’ll notice the blemishes look less red and swollen.

5. Green tea is excellent acne care

Green tea is a powerful antioxidant to get rid of pimples—wet green tea leaves. Apply to your skin and massage the tea leaves into your skin for thirty seconds. Then, rinse your face and blot dry with a clean towel. You can apply green tea leaves to your face every day without fear of it drying out your skin.

6. Go easy on the makeup

If you notice pimples on certain parts of your face, avoid using makeup on this area. Makeup can clog your pores, so always choose oil-free makeup. Also, choose a makeup labeled “noncomedogenic.” That language means it shouldn’t cause acne or pimples. Finally, do your research on makeup ingredients so you can avoid causing spots.

7. Keep your hands off the pimples, except when applying skincare treatments

Avoid putting your hands on your face, chin, forehead, or cheeks. Touching can spread bacteria and irritate the blemishes. Likewise, don’t pick your pimples, which leads to infection and scarring.

8. Check your haircare products

Hair products sometimes cause blemishes. When these products touch your face, they clog your pores. Avoid using hair products that

Contain oils
Are pomades
Contain fragrances
Are heavy on your hair

Choose a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner. Wash your hair often so it doesn’t get oily and cause pimples. You must pull your hair away from your face if you have frequent breakouts.

9. Regular exercise

Exercise stimulates the blood flow to your entire body. It helps rid your body of toxins and boosts your oxygen intake. Getting regular exercise is particularly good for your skin. Be sure to shower after a workout to remove sweat and bacteria from your face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back.

10. Watch what you eat

Avoid greasy foods and junk food. Instead, eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Some people break out when they eat dairy products. If you notice more pimples after eating dairy, eliminate them from your diet to see if your face clears up. The foods most likely to cause spots are

Sugar
Fast foods
Dairy
Whey protein powder
Refined grains
Omega 6 foods
Some types of meat like chicken and mutton

11. Your stress might cause pimples

According to studies, stress triggers acne breakouts. If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, your body releases cortisol and androgen, two hormones that increase your skin’s oil production; this causes pimples and, in some cases, acne. When you’re under stress, try these tips to relax.

Getting some exercise: Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Walk, bike, or garden to find relief from your stressful feelings.
Limit your screen time: Frequent use of your devices can cause stress.
Yoga: Try some relaxing yoga for less stress.
Diffuse scents: Certain scents help you feel more relaxed. For example, sandalwood or lavender are relaxing scents.

To avoid these breakouts and prevent pimples, figure out what’s triggering your stress.

12. Skip the sun

Limit your sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays increase inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Avoid being outside when the sun’s at its peak, usually from 10 am to 2:00 pm. Wear a broad-rimmed hat and use sunscreen to protect your skin. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 and at least 6% zinc oxide. Always read the ingredients in sunscreen. Some ingredients can exacerbate blemishes.

13. Blame your pimples on your phone

Your Smartphone could be the cause of your pimples. Your phone goes everywhere with you. It collects dust, dirt, and bacteria. Then when you put your phone on your face, these unwanted particles get into your pores and cause pimples. Regularly wipe down your phone or try using Bluetooth when you make calls.

14. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an antibiotic that kills bacteria growth. When you have a pimple, apply a small amount of tea tree oil on the spot using a cotton ball. Do this every day until the pimple goes away.

15. Warm compress

Warm compresses increase the blood flow to your pimples. The warmth makes them heal quicker. Using a washcloth, soak it with hot water. Apply the washcloth to your blemishes for a few minutes. Do this several times a day.

16. Apple cider vinegar

Another way to prevent pimples is using apple cider vinegar. This fermented vinegar can kill bacteria and fungi.

In addition, lactic acid helps reduce blemishes and improves the appearance of your skin. Here’s how to use this vinegar to get rid of pimples.

Wash your face like you usually do.
Mix three or four parts of water with one part of apple cider vinegar.
Apply the vinegar and water mixture to your pimples using a cotton ball.
Let sit for ten seconds and then rinse with cool water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Repeat several times a day.

If you feel any skin irritation, dilute the mixture with more water and apply once daily.

17. Check your detergent

Skincare to prevent pimples could be as simple as changing your laundry detergent. Some chemicals in detergent are too harsh for your skin. Your skin reacts to the ingredients with breakouts on your face, chest, neck, or back. If you are baffled as to what is causing your breakouts, try changing your laundry detergent. You might try an unscented product intended for a baby’s sensitive skin. These detergents are free from abrasive chemicals.

18. Take zinc supplements

Another natural preventative for pimples is zinc. Zinc is a skin nutrient. It has anti-inflammatory benefits that help with skin conditions such as rosacea, skin ulcers, and eczema. Most over-the-counter zinc supplements come in 50 mg capsules. You can take anywhere from 40 to 150mg to help reduce your pimple outbreaks.

19. Change your pillowcase

Dirty sheets or pillows transfer bacteria to your skin. This dirt clogs your pores and causes pimples. The cleaner your bedding linens, the cleaner your skin will be.

Dirty pillowcases and bedsheets can very well be the cause of acne breakouts. Soiled bedding can cause dirt to settle on our face and skin and clog pores. Change your pillowcase every other day.

20. Aloe vera gel provides oil-free healing

Aloe vera helps remove the pain from sunburn. But you might be surprised to learn that it’s also good for pimples. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that heal existing pimples and prevent more outbreaks. First, wash your face as you usually do, then apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel onto your face. Do this a couple of times a day, and you should notice a change in your skin.

Final thoughts on the importance of skincare in eliminating pimples

Unsightly bumps on your skin are embarrassing. Acne appears on your face, neck, chest, or back because that’s where you have the most active oil glands. You may feel like you’ve tried everything to eliminate your pimples. These twenty skincare tips to prevent blemishes could be your solution.

People With Charisma Do These 15 Things Without Realizing It

September 21, 2022 by Chris Butler

Have you ever noticed that some people have so much natural charisma that they attract the attention of others almost effortlessly? Maybe you’ve always felt awkward in social situations or when trying to make new friends. Were those charming individuals born with a magnetic gift, or is this a skill that you can develop?

The word charisma comes from the Greek word that means gift or divine favor. In its original sense, it referred to those who were divinely blessed with irresistible flair. These elevated folks often included monarchs, philosophers, artists, writers, and other influencers of the ancient world.

Today, any attractive person with a captivating appeal to others is considered charismatic. These may include glamorous celebrities, famous musicians, artists, and social media influencers. Many of the world’s top leaders worked their way into these powerful positions with their magnetic charm.

Fifteen Things People with Charisma Often Do Without Realizing It

Have you ever longed to inspire and influence people with your personality? The good news is that you don’t need to look like a model or be fabulously wealthy to have an appealing edge. Here are fifteen habits of charismatic individuals that you can use successfully.

1. People With Charisma Focus on Positivity

The next time you enter a crowded room, notice the ones garnering the most attention. You’ll discover that they radiate optimism, and their conversation is peppered with positive statements. Charismatic individuals know the law of attraction and send positive energy into the Universe to attract the same.

If you want to attract more positive attention, use uplifting words, and adopt a charming and optimistic attitude. Pessimism creates a suffocating atmosphere that others avoid, like the plague. Of course, your optimism must be realistic, but you’ll be endearing to almost everyone.

2. Charming People Master Eye Contact

Good eye contact is one of the keys to effective communication, explains an article by the University of Michigan. Maintaining proper eye contact with others in a conversation makes you seem more credible. However, lack of eye contact conveys submission and outright staring communicates hostility and makes people uncomfortable.

So, you learn the delicate balance that equals appropriate eye contact in a conversation. When you look people in the eyes when conversing, it shows you respect what they say. It’s an essential part of being an active listener and a habit of captivating individuals.

3. People With Charisma Smile A lot

Another habit of charismatic people is that they genuinely enjoy smiling. Their charming smile lights up the room and instantly attracts others. It’s their way of expressing their glowing optimism on the inside.

It can be as simple as a warm smile to amp up your charisma and magnetism. Show those pearly whites as often as you can. You’ll be amazed at how strangers come up to you and start talking.

4. They Are Naturally in the Limelight

Those who can do nothing but whine about depressing topics will never be charismatic individuals. However, charming personalities know how to discuss exciting things that will spark attention from everyone. Their discussions aren’t self-serving or bragging; they invite others into the conversation.

Bring more charisma into your dialogue by discussing a broad range of appropriate subjects. Consider reading and learning about new topics that would be of interest to people from all walks of life. A brilliant conversationalist knows the power and magnetism of words.

5. Those With Charisma Don’t Throw Their Weight Around

A wise person once remarked that nobody cares how much you know as much as you show how much you care. What you accomplish doesn’t matter if you use it to belittle others. Truly captivating folks respect all individuals and strive to treat them how they want to be treated.

Charming individuals accept others regardless of their differences. They know how to find common ground and be respectful. They are the voice of those who are innocent and defenseless, whether they be humans or animals.

6. Charming People Are Sensitive to Others

People are attracted to those who are sensitive to their feelings and situations. Charismatic people are diplomatic in word and deed, striving not to hurt or offend someone intentionally. While they may have a different opinion, they know how to disagree with grace and respect.

If you want people to notice your charisma, be sensitive to others. Don’t be the type of obnoxious individual who tells jokes at the expense of other folks. Genuine humor isn’t cruel, but a good joke can be uplifting and make people laugh for the right reasons.

7. They’re Well Spoken

Not only are charismatic folks gifted in conversation, but they’re also articulate and know how to present their ideas effectively. They enunciate and use proper grammar without being smug.

Do you want to learn how to be a better speaker in public or in regular conversation? You may consider taking a speech class or taking advantage of free online tutorials. People are attracted to those who speak well with dignity and knowledge.

8. Those Who Have Charisma Think First, Then Speak

Just because people with charisma have the gift of gab doesn’t mean they never stop talking. They’ve learned that the quality of their statements is more important than the quantity. They see no reason to improve the silence if their words aren’t intelligent and necessary.

Charming conversationalists listen twice as much as they speak. They don’t interrupt other speakers and take time to consider what someone’s said. Life’s experiences have taught them to think before they speak.

9. They Keep Their Cool

Anger is the easiest emotion to show because it can camouflage fear, indecisiveness, or grief. It’s only human to become angry, but charismatic individuals know how to channel it properly. Others avoid those who lose their tempers and lash out in rage with hurtful words.

Life happens, and everyone can feel their anger boiling at times. Kind and charming people cool off before they say or do anything regrettable. Cursing and ranting at friends, family, or coworkers is no way to win friends.

10. They’ve Wonderful Social Skills

Those with charisma have social graces that attract others and instantly put them at ease. Their manners are polished without seeming selfish. They extend their charm to all, regardless of who they are or what they do.

It’s not difficult to improve your social skills with practice. Most of the rules of etiquette are common sense. You will attract a crowd if you carry yourself well and speak politely.

11. Positive Body Language Comes Naturally to People With Charisma

Often, your body language speaks louder than your words do. People will assume you’re insincere or dishonest if the two aren’t congruent. Charismatic folks know how to use positive, unassuming body language.

In an article published in the IUP Journal of English Studies, Dipika S. Patel discusses body language’s importance. At least 58 percent of human communication is transmitted through body language. This includes the most minute facial expression and body gestures.

Fortunately, learning proper body language skills for conversation isn’t complicated. Using good posture shows that you have charm and confidence. Relaxed, receptive body language tells others you’re friendly and open to discussion.

12. Charming People Don’t Need Anything in Return

One of the most charming habits of captivating people is that they are genuinely kind and don’t have ulterior motives. They don’t take advantage of people and dump them when useless. Part of their charisma is that they help others just because it’s the right thing.

Let others see the light of your charisma and learn how blessed it is to give than receive. While nobody expects you to be a doormat, giving back to your community is admirable. Consider volunteering with a local charity soup kitchen or offering after-school tutoring to disadvantaged youth.

13. They Exude Confidence

There’s a big difference between healthy self-confidence and arrogance. Being self-confident means that you consider yourself equal to everyone else. You have enough pride in yourself to say you’re just as good as the rest.

If you’re confident in your abilities, it often instantly attracts others to you. As part of your charisma, you help bring out the best in people. They’ll appreciate you more and bring out the best in you.

14. Charismatic People Have No Issues Speaking Their Minds

Diplomacy does not mean that charismatic people hide their opinions. They don’t have a problem with speaking up against wrong things. They may do it tactfully but won’t back down or compromise their values.

15. Someone With Charisma Does Not Judge Others

The gift of charisma allows people to accept others at face value. They only judge others by their actions and character, not by their name or position. If they don’t click with somebody, they keep their distance rather than causing drama.

Final Thoughts on Charismatic People

If being charming is a gift you want in your life, all you need is practice. Try to incorporate these positive habits into your daily routine. You’ll discover that charm is like Dorothy’s magical red shoes in the “Wizzard of Oz,” as the power was yours all along, waiting to be used.

Don’t Stop Being Affectionate

Make Time For Each Other

Do Not Invalidate Them

Ask What They Want Or Need

Practice

Dig Deep For The Real Problem

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