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8 Reasons Why Divorced Couples Remarry

August 31, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Have you been divorced for a while, and now you’re thinking about remarrying your ex? Understandably, you would miss someone you loved for a long time. Why would you like to remarry after a painful breakup? Some realize they were soulmates and made a terrible mistake. But others have more complicated reasons.

There are problems and rifts in even the most loving relationships. People are still individuals, and they will often bump heads. The key to making the relationship work is learning to set boundaries, compromise, and learn from mistakes.

Divorce is high on the list of human losses. Everything you know is shaken, and you feel like you’ve lost your best friend. You will go through the process of grief and its many turning emotions, just like with other losses.

There will be many bitter exchanges and a lot of tears. Frequently, financial difficulties arise as well as questions about child custody. These experiences can leave a person drained and never wanting to be in a relationship again.

However, some people learn to cope and go on with their lives. They may find another person and form a lasting relationship. For others, the thought of not being with their soulmates forever may be more than they can handle.

Why Do Divorced Couples Remarry?

Even if you’ve both experienced a painful divorce, it may not be forever. The spiritual connection you have may be enough to start the healing process. These are eight reasons why divorced partners choose to remarry.

1. Distance Makes Your Heart Grow Fonder

Some remarry their former spouse because the separation is too emotional to handle. Remember the glory days during your engagement and wedding? You’d found your soulmate and spent so much time together that being apart was out of the question.

Somehow, your relationship began to deteriorate, and both of you felt more comfortable being apart. Maybe it got so bad that you couldn’t stand being in the same room with them. These restless and hostile feelings were part of why you filed for divorce.

If you lose your identity in a relationship, neither of you will feel content. While it’s essential for couples to be together, you still need time for your interests and personal growth. Being separated after a divorce may help you regain your sense of individuality.

However, you may see how much you miss your ex and that they are your soulmate. Your heart longs for the excitement and romance you had as a couple. Such a yearning can make you want to remarry them and make it work this time.

2. You Realize That the Grass Isn’t Greener

When you’re in a crumbling marriage, it’s easy to think that other people don’t have problematic relationships. You looked around and saw your family and friends smiling, holding hands, and living their best lives.

You began to fantasize about writing a fresh chapter in your newly single life. Walking back into the dating scene probably felt strange after being married for so long. But you were determined to find what you missed out on in your former relationship.

It would be just like a scene in your favorite romantic movie. They would glance at you from across the room, and it would be love at first sight. It will be a whirlwind romance of endless champagne bubbles, roses, and midnight serenades.

Those sparkling, live-happily-ever-after couples only exist in soap operas and romance novels. When you face reality, you’ll find that every relationship has flaws. Even the most beautiful and talented people make mistakes and disappoint each other.

Once you see that your situation wasn’t unusual, you may view your former spouse differently. Perhaps they look even better when you compare them to some toxic people you’ve met. Re-evaluating your past relationship may help you see that they’re your soulmate and you want to remarry them.

3. You’ve Had Time to Think, So You’re Ready to Remarry

While time doesn’t heal all wounds, it gives you space to think. Right after a divorce, your nerves and emotions are raw. You can’t see past the anger and hurt and may pray on it for a while.

After a while, you might get a new perspective on your broken relationship. You might gain more clarity and change your attitude about the past. Your ex may also have second thoughts about what destroyed your marriage.

Most importantly, you’ll have time to consider what brought you together in the first place. Do you still dream about your former spouse as your soulmate? This season of soul-searching may confirm that you want to remarry.

4. You’ve Learned to Forgive and be Forgiven

Broken marriages usually have a history of offenses, hardships, and hatred. These issues aren’t automatically resolved once you get divorced. They can lead to bitterness, depression, and isolation if left undone.

The time you spend away from your former partner may allow you to forgive. You cannot excuse or forget the pain of the past. You’re not giving them a free pass to forget about their contribution to your failed relationship.

However, you’ve learned to forgive as a gift to yourself. An article published by Harvard University states that forgiveness can ease depression and boost self-esteem. It can also lead to greater life satisfaction, per the article.

Perhaps there were some issues in your past marriage that were your fault. A step toward healing is to apologize and ask for forgiveness. Then, you work to make amends and try never to repeat those offenses.

Unfortunately, some divorces become so bitter that the couples can’t reconcile and remarry. If you and your ex believe that you are soulmates, learning to forgive is a significant victory. At least if you don’t remarry, you can let go of the past and go on with your lives.

5. Time Has Changed You Both, and You Want to Remarry Your Ex

If you married your high school sweetheart, you’re in good company. According to a publication from the U.S. Census Bureau, at least 25 percent of couples married out of high school. You may have found your soulmate as a teen and wanted to be together for the rest of your life.

What if you married your long-time love and it ended in a divorce? Does it mean that you were never meant to be a couple? You’ll never know until you both have time to think as a single person again.

Remember that everyone changes with time, be it positive or negative. You aren’t the same people today that you were in high school. You’ve both changed since your relationship split.

Only time will tell if your changes were for the better. In some cases, you find that you’re still not compatible. In your case, time may have been a friend, and you want to rekindle what you had in the past.

6. You Decide to Remarry Because Your Heart Knows That You Are Soulmates

A lasting relationship understands the language of your heart. Even if you divorced your mate, does your heart remain connected to them? If so, reconciliation may not be out of the question.

7. You Share History Together

While attraction brings people together, love and shared history can keep them together. The beautiful moments you shared as a couple may be forgotten because of divorce. You may meditate on the negativity, pain, and loss at that moment.

Many divorced couples choose to remarry because they’ve shared so much history. They remember the good times and want to put the negative ones behind them. If this sounds like your story, maybe the Universe is trying to tell you something.

8. You Remarry For the Children’s Sake

One of the most challenging complications in a divorce is when children are involved. The question of custody, visitation, and child support isn’t always amicable and can lead to years of court battles. However, some divorced couples deal with these issues civilly and remain on good terms for their children’s sake.

It’s worth noting that if you and your ex had a toxic relationship, staying together for the kids isn’t beneficial to anyone. You’ll both end up miserable, and your children will be in the middle of the fallout. It’s best to part ways and work together to raise them.

But some former spouses tie the knot again because they love each other and want to be a family. They’re tired of the split weekends and holidays and how the kids are shuffled back and forth. If you feel you can reunite with your ex and your children will be happy, it could be a blessing for you all.

Final Thoughts on Why Divorced Partners Remarry

Just because a couple gets divorced doesn’t mean they hate each other. Sometimes, this break is what the relationship needs for healing and re-evaluating. Divorce isn’t always a forever thing, and you may find that your journey leads you back to each other and remarry.

Study Explains Why Climate Change Means Longer Allergy Season

August 31, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Scientists have discovered that climate change causes longer allergy seasons. Researchers from the University of Michigan also determined that rising temperatures lead to more intense allergies.

Because of human-created climate change, they predict that pollen emissions will occur forty days earlier by 2100. Compared to average allergy seasons between 1995 and 2014, seasons today could also last nineteen days longer.

This change means allergy sufferers must contend with high pollen counts much earlier in the spring. Also, because of hotter temperatures due to rising CO2 levels, yearly pollen emissions could increase by 200%.

“Pollen-induced respiratory allergies are getting worse with climate change,” said Yingxiao Zhang, a UM graduate student research assistant in climate and space sciences and engineering. She’s also the first author of the paper in Nature Communications.

“Our findings can be a starting point for further investigations into the consequence of climate change on pollen and corresponding health effects.”

UM researchers constructed a predictive model which analyzes fifteen of the most prevalent pollen types. The model also examines how pollen production will change due to temperature and precipitation variations.

Next, they combined climate and allergy season data with various socioeconomic scenarios. To create the models, they used data from 1995 through 2014. Then they used this model to forecast pollen emissions for the latter part of the 21st century.

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person but can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include sneezing, watery, itchy eyes, rashes, a runny nose, and cough. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms like trouble breathing or anaphylaxis.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over fifty million Americans experience allergies yearly. About half of these allergy sufferers, or 24 million, experience seasonal allergies. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, with an annual cost of over $18 billion.

Climate Change Making Allergy Seasons Longer and More Intense

The most common indoor and outdoor allergy triggers include tree, grass, and weed pollen. Mold spores, dust mites, cat and dog hair, rodent urine, and cockroaches can also cause allergies. Regarding outdoor allergy triggers, climate change worsens weed, tree, and grass pollen.

Higher temperatures cause plants to become active earlier in the season and produce more pollen on average.

However, Allison Steiner, UM professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, said her team’s models could offer solutions. They could eventually predict allergy seasons in various regions of the country.

“We’re hoping to include our pollen emissions model within a national air quality forecasting system to provide improved and climate-sensitive forecasts to the public,” she said.

The National Science Foundation helped fund the research.

A separate study agreed.

A separate study on allergy seasons by the UM School of Public Health confirmed the findings above. Researchers found that climate change results in earlier spring seasons and more severe hay fever allergies.

The study, published in PLOS ONE, gathered data from over 300,000 respondents between 2002 and 2013. It marks the first research to analyze how climate change impacts allergy seasons nationally.

“We found that areas where the onset of spring was earlier than normal had 14% higher prevalence of hay fever,” said Associate Professor Amir Sapkota in the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health. “Surprisingly, we also found similar risk in areas where the onset of spring was much later than what is typical for that geographic location,” he added.

When spring arrives early, it worsens allergies since the season lasts longer. However, late-onset of spring can cause similar effects since many trees simultaneously flower. This increases pollen concentration in a relatively short timeframe, potentially worsening allergies.

Hay fever, or “seasonal allergic rhinitis,” impacts 25 million adults in the United States yearly. The research team believes this number will only increase as climate change intensifies.

The Five Best Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

These studies may make you feel hopeless about treating symptoms if you suffer from seasonal allergies. However, despite longer allergy seasons, you can still find relief from itchy eyes and a runny nose. Let’s go over a few ways to combat allergies so you can enjoy life to the fullest.

Install HEPA filters in your home. These pleated mechanical air filters can capture tiny particles like allergens, viruses, bacteria, mold, and pet dander. When air moves through the pleated mesh overlying the filter, it traps about 99.97% of harmful particles. People with severe allergies should consider these types of filters for their homes.
Stay indoors when the pollen count is high. If possible, refrain from going outside on days with high pollen levels. Keep all windows and doors closed, and turn on the air conditioning to reduce exposure.
Take probiotics. Since 70-80% of immune cells live in our gut, taking probiotics can bolster good bacteria and reduce allergic responses. A University of Florida study found that a combination of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, sold as Kyo-Dophilus in stores, could reduce hay fever symptoms. The team said that probiotics help increase T-cells in the body, which enhances tolerance to common allergens.
Maintain a healthy diet. Plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains will lower inflammation, reducing histamine and cortisol. Also, a diet rich in antioxidants will protect you from disease and enhance immunity.
Drink plenty of water. Staying properly hydrated flushes mucus out of the body and reduces histamine production. Drink at least two or three liters of water daily to keep allergies in check.

Final Thoughts on Why Climate Change Lengthens Allergy Seasons

Researchers have found that climate change results in longer, more severe allergy seasons. Higher temperatures mean spring occurs earlier in many areas across the globe. As a result, plants bloom sooner and produce more pollen, causing hay fever symptoms for millions. One study by the University of Maryland found that allergy seasons are nineteen days longer on average compared to the past two decades.

However, this doesn’t mean allergy sufferers should accept a lower quality of life. Staying indoors on days with high pollen counts, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and installing HEPA filters can reduce allergy symptoms.

10 Depression Busting Foods, According to Science

August 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

Diet alone can’t relieve depression. But if you struggle with depression, what you eat or don’t eat affects your mood. Integrating good nutrition with a variety of healthy foods boosts your mental health. According to science, the ten foods listed in this article have a variety of benefits besides reducing depression. They are all full of minerals, vitamins, and phenols. Why not get started adding these ten depression-busting food to your diet today?

Ten Depression Busting Foods for Better Mental Health

1 – Vitamin D fortified foods

Foods with vitamin D improve depression, especially if you’re low in this vitamin. Vitamin D receptors are in your brain. When the receptors lack vitamin D, this impacts the amount of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a “feel good” hormone. Elevated dopamine also motivates you to get out and do something you enjoy.

Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, don’t use supplements without your doctor’s recommendation. Fat-soluble vitamins get stored in your liver and can cause damage. Instead, choose vitamin D-rich foods for your diet, such as:

Beef liver
Cod liver oil
Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheeses
Orange juice fortified with vitamin D
Sardines
Salmon
Swordfish
Tuna

2 – Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Strong evidence shows that eating omega-3 fatty acid foods can improve mental health. Omega 3s fatty acids are typically found in fish oil and marine algae. Scientists believe that individuals who don’t eat enough fish may have higher rates of depression than those who eat fish. Studies are still in process to determine what ratios and doses work best to help minimize depression. Kids and adolescents who struggle with depression could benefit from omega-3 supplements. The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids include these:

Fatty fish, like mackerel or salmon, sardines, tuna
Flaxseed
Walnuts
Dark leafy greens like kale or spinach or collard greens
Canola oil
Soybean oil

3 – Eat foods high in polyphenols

Another depression-busting food to add to your diet is those foods that are high in polyphenols. These plant-based foods have antioxidant properties that protect you from chronic diseases due to free radical damage. An increasing amount of research suggests that eating polyphenols can improve your health, help regulate your metabolism, help you lose weight, and fight off disease. It’s thought that polyphenols can improve your depression by regenerating brain cells. The best food sources with polyphenols include the following:

Berries like chokeberries, elderberries, blueberries, blackberries, black currants, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
Peppermint, clove, and anise
Cocoa powder
Vegetables like red onions, artichoke, spinach
Olives
Coffee, tea

4 – Protein-rich foods help your focus

High-protein foods have amino acids called tryptophan. These chemicals help your body produce serotonin. Serotonin improves your mood and improves your ability to concentrate. Food high in protein include:

Peas
Beans
Beef, chicken, fish
Milk
Soy products
Dairy products

5 – Eat healthy carbohydrates

Healthy carbohydrates boost the brain chemical serotonin. When you crave carbs, it could mean you’re low in serotonin. The key is to eat whole grain complex carbs rather than bleached out “white carbs” The best carbohydrates to eat include:

Bulghur
Brown rice
Quinoa
Whole wheat bread, pasta, or crackers
Popcorn
Oatmeal

6 – Eat foods rich in selenium

Selenium can improve your mood. Researchers think it could be because it helps reduce inflammation. Someone who struggles with anxiety and depression often experiences inflammation. It’s also an antioxidant that repairs cell damage. There are no selenium supplements because selenium is a trace mineral. Your body doesn’t need too much of it. It’s found naturally in foods such as these:

Lean meats
Legumes and beans
Seafood: clams, oysters, crab, saltwater, and freshwater fish
Whole grains: whole wheat pasta or brown rice, or oatmeal
Nuts and seeds: Don’t overeat Brazil nuts. They can cause selenium toxicity.

7 – Eat foods high in antioxidants

It’s important to add foods high in antioxidants to your diet. You can’t stop free radicals, but eating foods high in antioxidants will help fight the damage by free radicals. Foods that are naturally high in antioxidants include:

Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes
Spinach and collard greens
Seeds and nuts
Wheat germ
Vegetable oils like soy and canola
Broccoli, grapefruit, peppers, strawberries, and potatoes

8 – Try a Mediterranean diet to boost your B vitamins

Over the past few years, researchers have found that eating a Mediterranean diet is extremely healthy. For one thing, this diet is high in vitamin B and B12. Researchers aren’t sure why this diet helps fight depression, but it benefits people who struggle with mental health issues. Of course, nutrition is vital to staying physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. Here are some foods you can add to your diet to help you fight anxiety and depression.

Beans
Fruits
Vegetables-especially dark green veggies
Lean meats
Fish
Dairy
Nuts

9 – Eat foods rich in folic acid

Tomatoes are known depression fighters. This could be because this delicious fruit (or vegetable, if you prefer) is packed with folic acid and alpha-lipoic acid. Both chemicals help fight depression. Folic acid helps produce serotonin and dopamine, two natural chemicals that improve your mood and brain function. Besides a tomato, these foods are high in folic acid:

Seafood
Beef liver
Fruits and fruit juices
Beans
Peanuts
Dark leafy greens like spinach or romaine lettuce, or asparagus

10 – Eat avocados

Another superfood to add to your list of depression-busting foods is the humble avocado. This healthy fat helps your brain function. Avocados are high in B, C, and E12 vitamins. They’re low in sugar and naturally high in protein, four grams per avocado. So, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, look no farther than an avocado. Simple ways to eat avocado include

With scrambled eggs
In guacamole
In salads
In soups
Seasoned with salt and pepper and eaten in slices
On toast

Foods to Avoid to Beat Depression and Have Better Mental Health

The old saying “you are what you eat” is true in many ways. What you eat or don’t eat is closely linked to your mental health. When you eat certain foods, you will have improved health which will improve your moods and help you fight off depression and anxiety. Here are some foods you shouldn’t eat if you have mental health issues, depression, or anxiety.

Depression and junk food

It’s probably not a surprise that junk food is at the top of the list of what not to eat. High-fat and high-sugar junk foods aren’t good for anyone, but if you struggle with depression, it’s terrible. There’s a link between sugar and depression. Studies found that sugar consumption may cause higher depression. Sweet beverages and foods increase the chance of mood disorders and mental health issues. If trying to cut out sugar, don’t forget the foods with “hidden” sugars. These can cause you to have mood swings because of their high amount of sugar. Foods with hidden sugars include the following things:

Ketchup
“Lite” salad dressings
Speciality coffee drinks
Energy drinks
Cereals
Granola bars
Low-fat yogurt

Alcohol causes depression

Alcohol may like it helps you relax, but it can have the opposite effect. If you are fighting depression, you want to avoid drinking alcohol. First, it causes depressive feelings. It slows down your brain activity. You feel foggy, brained, and moody. Alcohol also contains a lot of sugar. Sugar is a depressant. If you’re taking antidepressant medications, alcohol can make your meds less effective.

Other Tips to Help Ease Your Depression

Don’t skip meals: When you skip meals, your blood sugar plunges–making you feel moody and depressed. Keep a regular mealtime schedule.
Eat your meals with friends or families: When you struggle with depression, it’s essential to spend time with others. Eating meals with your family overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Stock your pantry with healthy foods and snacks: Get rid of the chips and cookies. Stock your pantry with only healthy things like nuts, seeds, beans, nut butter, and whole grain snacks. Keep fresh fruits and veggies in your fridge.
Spices: Keep a wide assortment of spices to flavor your foods. Cinnamon in coffee or oregano in your veggies dishes are nutritious and help fight depression.
Stick to a regular schedule: Eat your meals at a set time every day. This prevents blood sugar from plunging and helps you create a routine. These simple practices help fight depressive episodes.

Final Thoughts on How Eating Depression Busting Foods Can Increase Your Mental Health

You know that simply eating right won’t take away your depression, but your diet dramatically impacts how you feel. If you’re eating the right foods, it positions you to overcome your mental health struggles. These ten depression-busting foods boost your nutrition. You will feel better in every way-physically, emotionally, and mentally. According to science, these ten food suggestions have benefits beyond reducing depression. They’re full of minerals and vitamins. Get started today by adding these healthy foods to your regular menu so you can feel your best and enjoy your life to its fullest.

New York State Lawmakers Ban Commercial Puppy Mills

August 30, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

New York State lawmakers got some big tail wags in June of 2022. That was when legislators voted to pass the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill. If Governor Kathy Hochul votes this bill into law, pet stores in New York will be banned from selling canine companions. Right now, many out-of-state puppy mills send their puppies to New York pet stores. These pet stores sell them to the public as healthy puppies from reliable breeders. These lawmakers have taken steps to end these abusive practices by passing this recent bill to end all puppy mills in their state.

What is a puppy mill?

A puppy farm or puppy mill is a dog breeding commercial facility. They’re known for their poor conditions and quick breeding methods. The term puppy mill came into the vernacular in 1984. The fundamental characteristics of a puppy mill include:

Confined to cages for months
Haphazard breeding
Bad environment
Bad animal husbandry
Little veterinary care
Emphasis on creating lots of puppies
Little exercise or grooming

Disease and overcrowding cause puppies to experience malnutrition, respiratory infection, fleas, heartworms, and digestive problems.

How many puppy mills are there in the United States?

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 10,000 licensed and unlicensed puppy mills in the United States. According to the same site, about 847,000 puppies are produced by licensed puppy mills yearly.

Abuse of dogs

Lawmakers praised the passing of the State Senate Bill S1130, prohibiting the sale of dogs, rabbits, and cats by all retail pet shops. They hope puppy abuse by breeders ends with the passing of this bill. Instead, they encourage dog adoption from reputable rescue shelters. Bill co-sponsors were Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D.-Manhattan). New York Governor Kathy Hochul will give her final approval.

The decline of dogs sold in pet stores

If you see puppies for sale at a pet store, understand they’re from commercial breeding operations. These puppy mill facilities focus on their profit rather than the welfare of the canines. There’s a general decline in pet sales in the United States because of the shifting legislation regarding pet store sales and an increase in the public’s awareness about puppy mills. Even though some puppy mills hold USDA licenses, standards don’t guarantee humane treatment for dogs or responsible breeding practices.

One facility may have hundreds of dogs in one cage for their entire life just for breeding purposes. The goal of puppy mills is to produce lots of puppies as fast as possible to sell to pet stores. It’s guaranteed that any pet store with puppies for sale obtained them from a puppy mill.

Support grows for bans on puppy mills.

The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill received the support of animal welfare groups like these:

Companion Animal Protection Society
New York City Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee
New York State Animal Protection Federation
Humane Society of the United States
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Voters For Animal Rights
Animal Legal Defense Fund

Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal introduced the bill, saying she hoped it would cause a death blow to the puppy mill practices. She says those cute canines you see in the pet stores have experienced abuse and disease and cost unsuspecting buyers thousands of dollars in veterinary fees.

New York isn’t the only state taking action against puppy mills. 2017 California passed a law against selling commercially bred dogs in pet stores. Many towns, cities, and villages across the United States have rules against selling animals in pet stores. By banning puppy mills, states encourage people to adopt their pets. Today there is overcrowding in pet shelters. According to the ASPCA, around 6.3 million animals go into animal shelters annually.

Of these, 3.1 are dogs. Every year, and despite their best efforts, shelters euthanize 400,000 dogs. The good news is that dog adoptions are up because states encourage people to adopt. This is easing overcrowding in shelters and giving dogs homes.

How do you know if you’re ready to adopt a dog?

Are you considering adopting a dog? Great choice! Dogs aren’t just great companions. They improve your health. Owning a pet lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure and helps you manage stress.

Millions of canine companions are available for adoption in shelters that need a good home. But, before you adopt a dog, are you ready to be a doggie parent? Here are some things to consider before you adopt a dog.

Do you know the cost of owning a canine?

Dogs need medical care, grooming, bedding, food, leashes, and toys. On average, you’ll pay these costs every year for your dog. The average price of a dog varies depending upon where you live, what breed of dog, the dog’s age, and health condition. Generally, you can expect to pay around $3000 a year. Initial expenses when you adopt a dog include:

Adoption costs: Adopting from a shelter may cost up to $500 or more (purebred animals are more expensive).
Supplies (bowls, kennel, bed, collars, leashes, toys, and dog tags) $50 to $300
Preventive medicines such as flea and tick and heartworm medicine $200
Vaccinations: $50 to $350
Spaying or neutering: $20 to $250
Microchips: $50
Licensing: $10 to $20

Have you found a veterinarian?

The shelter may have some medical records for the dog you adopt, but you must arrange an appointment with a local veterinarian. It would be best to ensure your dog is healthy and ready to be taken home.

Do you have time for a canine companion?

Life is busy. Who will walk your dog if your day is filled with errands, running your kids to soccer, grocery shopping, and meeting friends for dinner? Dogs need training, playtime, and exercise. Some breeds need socialization to adjust. If you travel for your job or you’re busy with the kids, you may not have time to include a dog in your life right now.

How do you pick a dog from a shelter?

Someone said getting a dog from a rescue shelter is like shopping at a thrift store. These dogs have been in another person’s home. It’s good to remember they might carry some trauma. A rescue dog has baggage, some good, some not so good. That they ended up in a shelter signifies something broken in their past. Maybe their owner died, or the owner didn’t like the dog’s all-night howling. Adopting a dog from a shelter is a bit of a crap shoot, but it’s worthwhile. If you do your homework and keep your expectations in the proper place, there is a good chance you’ll get a wonderful pet. Here are some suggestions on how to pick a dog from a shelter.

Choose a good shelter

There are different animal rescue facilities: public shelters, privately owned rescue organizations, or one type of breed facility. Do your homework on those closest to you. Visit the facility once or twice to familiarize yourself with the staff and how they run it. Ask yourself some questions:

Is the facility clean?
Do they interact with the animals?
Do you know the dog’s medical information?
Does it seem poorly run?
Do they post online? Are there good reviews about the place and the animals?

Know what you want and don’t want

When you look at dogs at a rescue site or visit a shelter with dogs online, you’ll want to bring them all home. Don’t be led by your heart. Study breeds and mixed breeds. Understand the energy levels, socialization, and protectiveness dogs species can possess. Choose a dog that fits your living arrangement. Putting a high-energy Dalmatian in a tiny studio apartment wouldn’t be kind. But a Yorkie might be the perfect breed for this living space.

Understand canine body language

Even the cutest little dog can give off bad vibes. Learn to read the dog’s body language. Ask yourself these questions.

Is this dog friendly?
Do they act fearful?
Do they come over to play with you?
Are they calm or jittery?
Is their tail wagging or lowered?
Do they show anxiety or like they’re in pain?

Talk to the staff and volunteers about the dogs. Watch how they interact with the dog. Are they hesitant? Too quick or rough?

Final thoughts on New York’s ban on puppy mills

New York State lawmaker’s Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill is an excellent first step towards closing down puppy mills that supply dogs to pet stores. If the bill passes, New York State will be an example for other states to follow suit to ban puppy mills from sending canines to pet stores. This will stop the untruthful practice of selling puppies to the public, claiming they’re healthy and well-bred. Bravo to these lawmakers who took steps to end puppy mills’ abusive practices.

How to Stop Using Caffeine (In 10 Days or Less)

August 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

Many people jump-start their day with a cup of coffee or tea. Both drinks contain caffeine, a stimulant found not only in coffee and tea but also in energy drinks and some medications. Using caffeine increases your energy level and helps you concentrate. But taking too much java may cause insomnia and headaches and make you feel jittery. If you think you’re using too much caffeine, you may wonder how to stop drinking coffee and other drinks that contain it. Here are some suggestions for doing this without too many side effects.

How much caffeine is too much?

Caffeine affects everyone differently depending on gender, size, and sensitivity to caffeine. The average adult drinks around two cups of caffeine every day. Even drinking as many as four cups of caffeinated beverages doesn’t bother most people. Going beyond this, though, can lead to side effects such as:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nervousness
Jitters
Insomnia
Sleep disruptions
Raised blood pressure
Racing heart
Abnormal heartbeat
Dehydration

Is caffeine addictive?

Maybe, and maybe not. Addiction usually means something is irresistible, and you can’t live without it. According to the National Library of Science, caffeine doesn’t fit this definition. It’s not an addiction, but it’s hard to give up. Caffeine won’t harm individuals who take it as drugs do. When you give up drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or sodas, you may have symptoms similar to withdrawal but less severe. Of course, this depends upon the person. Drinking coffee in moderation is the key to not having extreme side effects if you stop drinking coffee, tea, or soda.

What drinks or foods contain caffeine?

A wide variety of foods and drinks contain caffeine. Even some sports drinks contain caffeine. If you hope to cut back, read the labels of all your favorite beverages. You may be surprised that some drinks you regularly consume have caffeine. Here are the most common things that contain caffeine.

Coffee
Espresso
Tea
Decaf tea and coffee
Soda
Chocolate
Energy drinks
Supplements
Some gums
Some candies
Protein bars that contain chocolate or cocoa
Ice cream
Chocolate cereals
Chocolate milk
Granola bars with cocoa
Kombucha -those made with caffeinated teas
Matcha. It is made with green tea, which has caffeine
Pain relievers

Is caffeine in medications?

Caffeine is in many over-the-counter and prescription headache medications. It helps your body absorb the headache medication faster. If you’re trying to cut back on your intake, read the over-the-counter medicines’ labels.

Is there caffeine in herbal remedies?

Many herbal remedy supplements contain caffeine. Because these products aren’t required to list their ingredients, you may not know if your herbal remedy has caffeine. The most common herbal remedies with caffeine include:

Guarana berries
Yerba mate
Kola nut
Green tea extract
Yaupon holly
Guayusa

How to stop using caffeine in ten days or less

Trying to learn how to stop drinking coffee? Keep these three things in mind.

Cut back slowly

Never cut out caffeine completely. This will make you feel terrible. You’re apt to have powerful side effects which make you feel so bad you’ll want to quit trying to give up caffeine. Slow and steady is critical. Reducing the amount of caffeine you drink or eat incrementally is best. If you typically drink three cups of coffee, try drinking just two for several days. Then try drinking one cup of coffee for several days. If you start to get side effects, drink an extra cup of coffee to offset the side effects.

Fall in love with other drinks

Find substitutes for your regular caffeinated drinks. Instead of drinking soda, try decaf seltzer water. The best replacement is water. Drink it cold or warm with a bit of lemon or lime in it. Staying hydrated can help you not crave coffee.

Break the habit

Many people say drinking coffee is a habit. They enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning while they wake up or in the evening after dinner as they sit on their patio. It’s hard to break habits, but it’s possible to stop drinking coffee over time. Find a good substitute, such as decaf coffee or herbal tea, to sip on in the morning. Some say a hot cup of water in the morning with a squeeze of lemon and a cup of coffee satisfy. Of course, you’ll need to get used to the change.

Other tips to help you kick your caffeine habits

Here are some steps to follow that may help you figure out how to stop drinking coffee

Find motivation to quit: A Harvard study found that it’s easier to break a habit if you have a reason you want to change. This provides you with stronger motivation to change. You can refer to this reason when you’re struggling.
Ask yourself what triggers your desire for coffee and caffeine: After you figure out why you want to stop drinking coffee, figure out what triggers your desire to have caffeine. Is it tiredness? Is drinking coffee a nervous habit? Whatever the trigger or reason, figure out how to avoid these triggers. Maybe change up your morning routine, or substitute another caffeine-free drink for your morning cup of Joe.
Change your behavior: This is where the hard work starts. If you stop for a morning coffee on your way to work, you could order a flavorful herbal hot tea instead. Or you could try half decaf and half regular coffee in the morning. This cuts your caffeine without too much effort. You won’t succeed ideally, but as you reduce your caffeine, you’ll be surprised at your success over time.
Be sure to pat yourself on the back: Even if you make small strides towards stopping drinking caffeine, that’s okay. It takes time…maybe even longer than ten days, but that’s okay.

What are the significant side effects of how to stop drinking coffee?

Even if you slowly cut back on caffeine, you may see some side effects. These will start anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after your last cup of coffee or last soda. Symptoms can be severe if you cut out caffeine completely. Here are some side effects you may feel when you stop drinking your favorite java.

You may feel tired

You’ll feel exhausted the first few days. If you have a lot going on, it may not be a good time to stop drinking caffeine. Schedule a few days off work when you give up caffeine. You may want to sleep all the time, feel lethargic, or be extremely tired. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Relax by reading or watching a movie to take your mind off drinking caffeine. Go for a walk outdoors. Play with our dog or go out for lunch with a friend. Staying busy helps you forget about your tiredness and your lack of caffeine.

You may have a headache. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever will help you get through these initial headaches.

You’ll sleep better

One benefit of giving up caffeine is that you’ll probably sleep better than you have for a long time. Caffeine disrupts sleep by making you wake up all hours during the night. You’ll find your sleep is deeper and feel more rested. Your body may be tired from your caffeinated lifestyle. After sleeping so well, you’ll feel more energetic and happier than you did with caffeine.

You may gain weight

Caffeine is a hunger suppressant. Once you stop drinking coffee or tea, you’re apt to eat more and gain weight. Drinking caffeine raises your metabolism. This helps burn calories, so you lose weight. Once you take away the caffeine, you may see your weight go up. You can adjust this by getting more exercise and eating more veggies, fruit, and lean meats, plus lowering your carb intake.

You will lack the antioxidant properties of coffee

One downside of eliminating coffee or tea is that you won’t be getting the antioxidant benefits from these caffeinated drinks. That’s okay because you can boost your intake by eating foods high in antioxidants, such as

Pecans
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Goji berries
Red cabbage
Beans
Kale

Up your intake of these and other fruits and veggies high in antioxidants to help offset not drinking coffee.

You’ll feel calmer

Caffeine can make you nervous and jittery. Cutting back on java will make you feel calmer and less anxious.

Better bowel movements

Caffeine stimulates your digestive system. It speeds up digestion and can lead to diarrhea. Coffee is also acidic, which causes digestive problems. When you stop drinking coffee, you may find your tummy calms down, and you have fewer bowel movements and diarrhea.

Final thoughts on how to stop drinking coffee in under ten days

If you wonder how to stop drinking coffee, hopefully, these suggestions give you some hope that you can break the caffeine habit. Caffeine is found in many drinks, foods, medications, and herbal remedies. Be sure to read labels before you eat or drink. Once you stop drinking caffeinated beverages, there is a good chance you’ll see some positive health benefits that motivate you to stay caffeine-free.

How to Reframe a Negative Situation, According to Psychologists

August 30, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Your mindset can determine whether you experience negativity or positive thinking. If you can reframe a negative situation, you can see the good in any experience, helping you focus on happiness. Your perception can change any experience, but you must know how to reframe a situation.

Reframing a negative mindset can help you live a fun and positive life. Making it happen for you requires putting in the work to shift your thoughts. Eventually, it’ll become a habit and won’t take as much effort, and the benefits are well worth it.

Your life will improve when you reframe the situation. It doesn’t require a drastic life change, either, as it’s all about a mindset shift. It changes your life experiences without changing the circumstances.

Learning to reframe your mindset is one of the best things you can do to improve happiness in your life. It helps you figure out how to be more positive each day as you accomplish your tasks. Reframing a negative situation takes effort, but it’s worth it, and you’ll be glad you did it.

What is Negative Thinking?

Research shows that humans have anywhere from 12,000 to 50,000 thoughts each day. It also indicates that about 80% of those thoughts are negative. With never-ending sad news, societal pressures, and daily stressors, it’s easy to see why you experience so much negativity.

Negative thinking involves having a pessimistic outlook about yourself, the people in your life, and the world around you. It can happen to anyone, especially if you’re experiencing stress. Even positive people experience this thinking sometimes.

You might notice a constant buzz of criticism flowing through your mind. Sometimes it’ll also involve nitpicking and insults.

If you don’t reframe your thoughts, it interferes with your ability to function. Pessimism can become a habit, making it hard to do what’s best for you and your life.

When you allow negative thinking to become a habit, it leads to other issues, including depression and anxiety. If you can reframe a negative situation, you’ll notice an improvement in your overall mental health. It also offers other benefits, including:

decreased risk of anxiety and depression
improved cardiovascular health
increased life span
improved coping skills

What Causes Negative Thinking?

Sometimes the people you spend your time with can contribute to your mindset. You can give in to the negativity of those around you.

Or, you can refocus your thoughts and reframe the negative situation. You might think your environment is to blame, but you can make a change at any time.

While genetics contribute to your mindset, it only accounts for around 40%. The other 60% is up to you to decide and control. This statistic indicates that your choices and thought processes are the only reasons for negative thinking.

Shifting your mindset will work quickly, and you’ll continue to reap the benefits as you continue reframing negative situations. If you don’t reframe, you’ll experience pessimism and might frequently complain about your life. When you reframe, you can work to find the good things in your life.

How to Reframe a Negative Situation

Reframing a negative situation requires identifying your feelings at the moment. It might be hard to shift your thought process, but it’ll get easier the more you do it. You can learn to control the situation rather than letting it control your life.

You can change your life to improve your mindset without seeking outside help. It’ll help you reframe negativity, making every situation work for you and your life.

1 – Acknowledge Your Support System

When you express gratitude for your support system, it’ll help you think more positively. You’ll feel grateful for these people and all they bring to your life. It’ll also help you realize what your life would be like if they weren’t there.

2 – Identify Negative Thinking

Reframing negative situations requires identifying the experience. There are a few things to look for, including:

focusing only on the negative aspects of an experience
blaming yourself as the reason for the adverse event
always assuming the worst outcome will occur
viewing situations as only good or bad, leaving out a middle ground

Make a conscious effort to look for these forms of thinking throughout the day. Anytime it occurs, try to shift your mindset by looking for something positive.

3 – Determine Which Situations and Thoughts to Reframe

Decide which negative thoughts to reframe first. Think about the area of your life that produces the most negativity. Sometimes, writing in a journal helps when you feel down about a situation.

You can look back to pinpoint the issues in your life. Consider your career, a relationship, or any other part of your life. You can overcome the toxic thoughts once you identify the situations to focus on.

4 – Find the Bright Side

Reframing a negative situation requires finding the bright side in every situation. It doesn’t mean that you’re happy about what happened. Instead, it shows acceptance and a willingness to look for the good.

When you experience hard times, challenge yourself to find something positive. You may have learned a lesson or improved your skills in some way. Thinking this way helps you stay positive and ease negative thoughts.

Sometimes the best part of a negative situation is getting an opportunity to talk to someone you likely wouldn’t have otherwise.

5 – Focus on Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can make all the difference in reframing a negative situation. Recalling all the good things in your life can improve your life experiences.

Consider writing a weekly list of all the positive parts of your life. It’ll help you refocus at the moment. You’ll also remember all the things you’re grateful for when encountering a negative situation. Rather than focusing on the adverse aspects, you’ll recall good thoughts.

You can also include good things that happened to you or the world around you when you write your list. It’ll help solidify the good experiences in your mind, giving you something positive to shift your focus. You don’t have to write many things on your list but focus on getting at least a few positive aspects written out.

6 – Practice Positivity

Practicing positive thinking is a beneficial way to reframe negative situations. It’ll help you develop new habits, letting go of harmful behaviors that trigger or exacerbate a pessimistic mindset. Force yourself to be positive, and you’ll notice that it feels good and is easier than you thought.

7 – Learn About and Identify Thought Distortions

Sometimes, negative situations trigger thought distortions or traps. Distortions occur when you fall into negative thought patterns that distort your mindset. These patterns also influence your emotions and can cause you to spiral into negativity.

Thought distortions include these things:

Polarized or all-or-nothing thinking occurs when you habitually think in extremes. You believe that it is only good or bad with nothing in between.
Mind-reading: You assume you know people’s thoughts, and your assumptions are often negative.
Using feelings as facts: If you think your feelings are the truth, it leads to negativity because it’s an unreliable indicator of reality. This distortion is also sometimes called emotional reasoning.
Overgeneralization: This distortion occurs when you conclude about one event or situation and apply it to all other experiences.
Assuming the worst: If you believe the worst possible outcome will occur no matter what, you’re guilty of this thought distortion.
Personalization: This distortion involves inaccurately taking things personally. In these cases, the situation likely wasn’t connected to you.

If you can identify these thought distortions, you can stop them as they threaten to take over. Remind yourself that these thoughts are unhelpful and likely inaccurate. This reminder can make a difference in helping you reframe a negative situation.

8 – Set Goals

Setting goals to reframe your thoughts can help you have a task to focus on. Think about the big picture and consider what you can change to live your dream life. Once you determine what you can change, set goals to make it happen.

Having the goals in mind will help you push away negativity and persevere through everything. It’ll also help you forgive yourself for mistakes because you’ll still have your plan to give you hope.

9 – Let Go of the Idea of Perfection

No one is perfect, and expecting perfection of yourself leads to a negative mindset. Anytime something doesn’t go perfectly, you might spiral and set yourself back. However, if you can let go of striving for perfection, you can reframe any situation.

It’ll help you accept when things didn’t go as planned, allowing you to prepare for moving forward. When you think about what you can do better next time, you’ll experience less negativity.

Final Thoughts on How to Reframe a Negative Situation, According to Psychologists

You can reframe a negative situation and help yourself find happiness. When you reframe, you can focus on all the good in your life.

A positive mindset not only makes you happier but can also help you focus on the essential parts of your life. When you focus on what’s important, all your life improves. Use these tips to learn how to reframe a negative situation to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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