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Brain Multitasking Study Explains Why We Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time

March 9, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A new brain multitasking study disproves the old idiom that says a person can’t walk and chew gum simultaneously. People sometimes use this phrase to describe someone who acts uncoordinated, clumsy, or inept. Of course, people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because humans have an uncanny ability to adapt.

Scientists from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester have shown that we’re all capable of being multitaskers. They say a healthy brain can efficiently multitask while walking without hindering the performance of either activity.

“This research shows us that the brain is flexible and can take on additional burdens,” said David Richardson, an MD, Ph.D. student in his fifth year in the Pathology & Cell Biology of Disease Program, and first author of the study recently published in the journal NeuroImage. “Our findings showed that the walking patterns of the participants improved when they performed a cognitive task at the same time, suggesting they were more stable while walking and performing the task than when they were solely focused on walking.”

Study Explains How the Brain Multitasks Even During Challenging Activities

For the study, researchers utilized a Mobile Brain/Body Imaging system, or MoBI, stationed in the Del Monte Institute’s Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab. The platform uses three types of technology: virtual reality, brain monitoring, and motion capture technology. While participants walk on a treadmill or move objects on a table, sixteen high-speed cameras record their brain activity and movements.

The MoBI recorded the participants’ brain activity as they walked on a treadmill and engaged in brain multitasking. It also recorded their brain activity as they performed the same tasks in a seated position. The team measured brain changes between tasks and discovered a more considerable neurophysiological difference between walking and sitting during more strenuous activities. This shows the neuroplasticity of a healthy brain and how it can quickly adapt to challenging tasks.

“The MoBI allows us to better understand how the brain functions in everyday life,” said Edward Freedman, Ph.D., lead author of the study. “Looking at these findings to understand how a young, healthy brain can switch tasks will give us better insight to what’s going awry in a brain with a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Understanding how a young, healthy brain can successfully ‘walk and talk’ is an important start, but we also need to understand how these findings differ in the brains of healthy older adults and adults with neurodegenerative diseases,” said Richardson. “The next stage is expanding this research to include a more diverse group of brains.”

Additional authors include John Foxe, Ph.D., Kevin Mazurek, Ph.D., and Nicholas Abraham of the University of Rochester. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Pilot Program funded the research.

The Downsides of Brain Multitasking

However, just because we can multitask doesn’t necessarily mean we should. Brain multitasking can take place during three different scenarios. Either we’re attempting to complete two tasks simultaneously, switching rapidly between two jobs, or performing several tasks consecutively. While it may seem like we’re accomplishing more by multitasking, it can hinder productivity and cognitive performance. Scientists refer to this as “switching costs,” or the costs associated with rapidly switching between tasks.

One study by the American Psychological Association found that brain multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%. These time costs increased when volunteers performed complex or unfamiliar tasks. However, when switching between familiar tasks, their response time improved. So, this means that we’re capable of multitasking, but it doesn’t always equate to better performance.

While brain flexibility increases as we learn new tasks, that doesn’t mean we should perform them simultaneously. It largely depends on what we’re trying to accomplish. Checking emails and notifications on social media simultaneously isn’t too taxing on the brain. However, an air-traffic controller attempting to learn a new, complex skill could result in disaster due to mental overload.

Not to mention, multitasking lowers your IQ by up to 15 points, according to a study by the University of London. This decline in intelligence lowered their scores to the average range for an 8-year-old child. Furthermore, their scores compared to what researchers would expect from someone who stayed up all night or smoked cannabis.

We’re not saying you should avoid brain multitasking altogether, but try to confine it to more straightforward tasks. Approaching complex activities with focus will improve efficiency and reduce the time required to complete the job.

How to Improve Your Single-Tasking

Remove any distractions. While you’re working, keep your phone or tablet in a different room. When it’s out of sight, it is easier to focus on the task at hand.
Make a to-do list. Please write down your most important tasks and check them off one at a time.
Take short breaks. The brain doesn’t have unlimited energy, so it needs to rest every so often. Get up from your desk, stretch your legs, and allow your mind to wander for a while.
Focus on one task at a time. To avoid brain multitasking, it’s important to channel all your energy toward one activity. When you finish one thing, move on to the next task.

Final Thoughts on Brain Multitasking Study

A new brain multitasking study by neuroscientists from the University of Rochester reveals the flexibility of our brains. They found that the walking patterns of participants improved when they performed a cognitive task simultaneously. This shows that the brain can adapt quickly to new stimuli.

However, multitasking during complex tasks isn’t recommended because of the mental strain it causes. Our brains weren’t meant to switch rapidly between complex tasks but rather focus intently on one task at a time.

We’re becoming burdened by the sheer amount of information we have to process in our modern world. So, to protect your mental health, filter through this information and decide what’s most important. Eliminating distractions and slowing our brains down will do wonders for our well-being.

12 Ways to Support a Friend with Mental Illness

March 9, 2022 by Chris Butler

Remember that classic song about having a little help from your friends? The beauty of friendship is mutual respect and having each other’s back. One of the most significant challenges can be supporting a friend with a mental illness.

When you’re around family, friends, and co-workers, you learn their habits and ways of thinking. You may notice when something is wrong even before they do. If it’s an issue with mental illness, they may try to hide it as much as possible.

15 Signs You Might See That May Reveal You Should Support a Friend Who Has a Mental Illness

According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, these are some signs and symptoms for you to recognize:

Unusual sadness and being “down.”
Inability to concentrate or having confused thinking
Irrational fears, worries, and feelings of guilt
Extreme mood swings from high to low
Avoiding social activities with friends, family, and co-workers
Extreme exhaustion, lack of energy, and lack of motivation
Problems sleeping either too much or not enough
Breaking from reality with delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia
Inability to cope with daily stress and life problems
Difficulty understanding and relating to people or situations
Substance abuse, i.e., drugs, alcohol, tobacco, food, gambling, etc.
Significant changes in eating habits, overeating, or not eating enough
Problems with intimacy or sudden promiscuity
Uncharacteristic anger, hostility, or even violence
Talking about suicide or suicidal ideation

12 Ways to Support a Friend Who Has a Mental Illness

Perhaps you’re the person your friend needs the most in their mental illness struggle. You needn’t be a psychoanalyst to be present and make a difference. Here are 12 ways you can support your friend with a mental disorder:

1. Learn More about Mental Illness to Better Support a Friend Who Battles Emotional Issues

Education is critical when you want to support a friend battling mental illness. Try to find online articles and books written by mental health professionals. Sometimes, you can collect first-hand information and inspiration from someone who has overcome mental illness.

Use what you’ve learned as a tool to understand your friend’s situation better. Avoid trying to be an armchair psychologist and spout statistics and diagnoses. It’s a learning curve for both of you, and knowledge is empowerment.

2. Open Your Ears and Your Heart

When being supportive, offering personal examples and “one-upping” is a common mistake. While some relevant self-disclosure can be helpful, it should be used sparingly. Try to avoid this all-to-human reaction and listen to your friend.

For example, don’t flip the conversation over to spotlight your past struggles with mental issues. It’s also not a time to share your extended family’s dirty laundry. Your best option is to listen and open your heart with empathy and compassion.

3. Avoid Negative Stereotypes and Stigmatization

An article published by the American Psychiatric Association says that at least half of Americans with mental illness seek treatment. Sadly, the other half don’t because they fear stigmatization and discrimination. If you want to support a friend who’s struggling with mental issues, be careful what you say.

As you learn more about mental disorders, you’ll discover that they can affect people differently. Discussing the latest movie you saw about a mentally ill person isn’t helpful. Avoid discussing past psychiatric practices or anything making your friend feel inferior or helpless.

4. Support a Friend by Taking Their Symptoms Seriously

Perception is reality, especially for those who have symptoms of mental illness. Your friend sees their world through the lenses of their condition, and it’s accurate to them. They need to know you’re not there to criticize, mock, or cast judgment.

Listen to how they are feeling and be in the moment with them. If their thought processes are skewed, don’t try to correct them. They need you to validate their feelings and be at their side as a loving presence.

5. Offer Specific Support

How often have you told someone who was going through a rough time: “Let me know if you need anything.” The problem is that most people don’t like to feel obligated to you or anyone else, and they won’t mention anything. If you want to support a friend with mental issues, be specific about what you can do for them.

For example, you could volunteer to pick up their kids from school while attending a therapist appointment. Prepare a delicious homemade casserole and take it to their house. Please think of the things they need but are too embarrassed or proud to ask.

6. Finding the Right Help

You can support a friend with a mental disorder by finding the proper help they need. They may feel exhausted, and their thought processes may be slightly disoriented. You can gather sources like clinics and counselors that they may consider or some helpful websites to review.

You can help them make calls or send emails for more information if they want you to. Healthcare and medical insurance can be confusing, so having somebody assisting in the tedious process is comfortable. Be patient with them and allow them to make their own decisions.

7. Don’t Try to Take Over Their Situation

When you support a friend who’s overwhelmed with mental illness, it’s tempting to rush in and take control. Your first instinct when you see them hurting is to be their savior. While your heart is in the right place, taking charge can be more damaging than beneficial.

Don’t start making diagnoses and planning which therapist they’ll visit. Interventions are best left to professionals who know to do them correctly. It’s best to be a friend in time of need and offer suggestions but remember that you’re not their boss.

8. Help Them Recognize Strengths

The road to recovery is long and takes patience and a willingness to accept help, and there are more options than ever before, such as telehealth. Supporting a friend through mental illness involves milestones that you’ll reach together. Celebrate their strengths and minor victories and look forward to the next one.

Is your friend battling substance abuse and addiction? An article published by the National Library of Medicine explains that these are classified as mental illnesses. As they take each step toward recovery, celebrate, and show gratitude together.

9. Try to Keep Them Safe

Even when you respect boundaries and give your friends space, there’s a time when you must act for their safety. If they tell you they will hurt themselves or somebody else, take them seriously. Don’t believe the dangerous myth that suicidal people don’t talk about it, or they’re just vying for attention.

In these cases, you must override your confidentiality and get immediate help. Call 9-1-1 or take your friend to the nearest emergency room. Your friend’s well-being or somebody else’s safety may be at risk, and you are obligated to them. Even though they might be upset initially, they will thank you in the long run.

10. Mum’s the Word

Another essential way to support a friend through mental illness is to maintain trust. Assure them that anything they tell you will be kept in the strictest confidence. Having mutual friends and family or working in the same office is imperative.

Sometimes, mental illness can cause confusion and hallucinations. They may tell you things that they would never want to be repeated. You should keep these secrets unless they tell you that their contemplating suicide or hurting another person.

11. Don’t Lose Yourself When You Decide to Support a Friend

While you’re trying to support a friend struggling with mental issues, burnout is a real threat. Getting so involved in their life is easy that you soon forget about your needs. You can’t love or care for anyone else until you first take care of yourself.

Take time to step back from the situation for a bit. Distract yourself with a hobby or spend some time outdoors. Reconnect with your family and other friends and rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

Take a break from technology and boost your positive energy with meditation and visualization. Yoga is an excellent way you can practice mindfulness while getting physically fit. Recording your thoughts and ideas in a journal can also be a welcomed diversion.

You don’t want to get into a place where you’re developing mental illness symptoms or causing codependency. It’s also important to realize that you can’t force people to get help, as it never works unless they’re willing participants. All you can do is love and support; they must do the rest.

12. Support a Friend by Loving Them Unconditionally

Above all, your friend must know that your love for them is unconditional. Avoid statements like, “If you value our friendship, you’ll go get help.” Of course, you want them to get assistance with their health problems, but you don’t want it to be at the cost of your loving friendship.

You’re with them on this journey without judgment. You can still love even if you must keep your distance because of substance abuse. As they recover, they’ll never forget the support you gave them.

Final Thoughts on How to Support a Friend with Their Mental Health

A friend loves at all times, especially when coping with mental illness. Be the one to hold their hand, listen, and be present. Your friendship can be an invaluable tool they need in the recovery process.

12 Reasons Why Buying Local Food Is Better for the World

March 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

What could be better than preparing fresh food grown in your area? The farm-to-table movement has encouraged organic gardening and buying local food for the past few years. Buying from local farmers gives you an appreciation for their hard work, and you realize the benefits of each meal you make. For those who love this approach, a street food franchise for sale that focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients could be the perfect way to share this passion with a broader audience while supporting local agriculture.

If you’ve ever eaten something you’ve grown and harvested, you know how rewarding to eat something you grew with your own two hands. An article published by Statista mentions that at least 39.1 million households in the United States have vegetable gardens. Of course, this doesn’t include large farms and industrial agriculture.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb and gardening isn’t your thing, you still need fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the best sources of local produce is the farmers’ markets in your area. During peak season, you may also see pop-up roadside stands selling produce fresh from the garden.

Do you want delicious, healthy food all year round? Consider buying in bulk at your local farmers’ markets and learn the respected art of preserving food. It’s not difficult to can, freeze, or dry meats and produce. All these moves can help the farmers. Are you also a farmer? Then you can check out this pm kisan list – pmkisan.gov.in status here if you’re looking to improve your lifestyle by increasing your income.

You can use fresh garden produce to make delicious homemade recipes like jams, jelly, salsa, spaghetti sauce, and many other things. During the frigid months of winter, you and your family can enjoy these yummy recipes you made from local produce. Not only is it more flavorful and nutritious, but it’s often cheaper than store-bought versions.

Twelve Benefits of Growing and Buying Local Food

There’s no comparison to the quality of supermarket produce and food raised in an area garden. You have a chance to support local farmers and taste fruits and vegetables at their peak of ripeness. Here are some other reasons why buying local food is better for the world.

1. You’ll Enjoy Tastier Results with Local Food

Are you often less than impressed when you browse the produce aisle in your local supermarket? Usually, you’ll notice small fruits and vegetables sometimes have wax applied to make them more attractive. Some of the “beautified” produce may look good, but can you distinguish between it and local crops?

You know it’s fresh from the vine when you purchase locally grown produce. It hasn’t taken weeks to be shipped across the country or overseas. Local produce is at the peak of freshness and offers an optimal flavor for you and your family.

2. The Nutrients are Preserved Better

Did you know that fruits and vegetables can gradually lose nutrients and flavor? An article published by the University of California-Davis states that fresh produce is at its maximum nutrition right after harvest. Produce shipped in from other states and countries can take up to five days to reach your grocer, as stated in the article.

Now, consider that it may be on the shelf a couple of days before you purchase it. Some of the nutrients may have diminished in those seven days or more. When you buy local produce, the time from the farm to your table is minimal, and you can’t forget the maximum nutrition and flavor factors.

3. You Can Look For Local Food Without GMOs

In her classic book, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley intended more than to frighten her readers. She offered a grotesque glimpse into the consequences of humans trying to override nature. While the fictional Dr. Frankenstein may have had noble intentions, the results were genuinely monstrous.

Did you know that many items in your supermarket’s produce section are genetically modified organisms or GMOs? According to an article published by the University of Connecticut, the safety of GMOs has been debated since the 80s. Although the FDA still maintains that they are generally safe, studies are conclusive.

Buying local food from your neighborhood farmer’s market helps reduce your concerns for GMOs and other questionable practices. Most use organically raised seeds that haven’t been genetically altered. You have peace of mind knowing that your fruits and vegetables aren’t a Frankenstein lab experiment.

4. You’ll Support Farmers When You Purchase Local Food

When you pick up a tomato in the supermarket, do you know who grew it? Of course, federal guidelines require that companies identify their produce origins. Even if your tomato was grown across America, there’s still no local connection.

Flip scenarios and think about a tomato you buy at your local farmers’ market. You see the smiling faces of the local people who planted, raised, and harvested the crop. These are your friends and neighbors who work in your community and share their gardens’ bounty.

Each time you buy local food, you support your area farmers and their families. Your patronage allows them to continue growing fresh fruits and vegetables for everyone in your area. It’s a vote of confidence, and it helps build community pride, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.

5. It Will Preserve Farmlands and Rural Areas

While the expansion and upkeep of urban areas are vital to the country and economy, they’re not at the expense of risking precious farmlands. An article published by the American Farmland Trust points out that there’s been a decline in the number of farmland acres. The recent census indicated a reduction in the number of farms and farmers.

You may not be able to save the entire nation, but you can do something for your community. Supporting your farming or patronizing local food producers helps keep your area farmlands working. It can help preserve rural areas and farmlands from sprawling urban expansion and industrialization. On the other hand, land owners who would like to start farming may click here now to find a company that can help them with the farm development and management.

6. You’ll Support the Environment and Wildlife

Farmers are good stewards of the land since their livelihood depends on fertile soil and clean water. These are values that benefit your entire community. Best farming practices help prevent harmful soil erosion, and organically grown gardens reduce pollution.

When you help farmers stay in business, you are part of their environmental efforts. Minimizing pollution and caring for the environment also benefit the wildlife that calls it home. It’s all about preserving the land and countless creatures for the next generations to enjoy.

7. You’ll Enjoy Seasonal Local Food Favorites

Before mass transportation and importing foreign produce, people marked the seasons by what was available. You can still do the same thing when you buy local food. Each season has a unique harvest of your favorite products, and you may discover new ones for your family to try.

8. There’s Less Waste When You Buy Local Foods

The local food at your farmers’ markets only had to travel a few miles to get to you. With less handling and fewer travel hazards, it’s less likely to be bruised or mashed. An article from Global Agricultural says that at least 14 percent of the world’s produce is ruined by being transported to retail stores.

Buying locally means you’ll have less waste and more bang for your buck. Also, you’ll feel glad to know that you’ve reduced your carbon footprint. As a result, you benefit from less fuel, fewer emissions, and more produce saved in the short journey.

9. You’ll Help Boost the Local Economy

There are times when you must buy from a national supermarket chain. Although these chains provide jobs in your community, most of the profits go into the shareholders’ pockets. You’re also spending money overseas when you purchase imported foods.

Do your best to keep your dollars in your community. Patronize local businesses and buy local food from area farmers. You and your neighbors’ benefit when you contribute to the local economy.

10. Local Farmers Markets Provide Socialization

Did you know that your neighbor down the road raises prized zucchini and heirloom squash every year? You’ll discover a lot about your friends and neighbors when you meet them at the local farmer’s market. It’s ideal for catching up on the town news and share gardening tips and new recipes.

11. Your Family Can Learn More About Agriculture Science

Children are often shocked when they learn how to plant a seed, care for it, and watch it grow. You can do a project together in a small pot on the porch if you don’t have a big yard. Also, they will learn more about the variety of fruits and vegetables when you visit the farmers market together.

12. When You Choose Local Food, You Invest in the Future

What does the future of food and nutrition hold for the next generations? If you depend on products from other states and countries, your local farms will most likely go under. Your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren may have few options for farm-to-table meals.

Buying food locally doesn’t guarantee a farm’s future success, but it has a greater chance of survival with your support. You’re also setting an excellent example to your family about food, nutrition, and embracing community. It’s your way of contributing to a better future for your area, the country, and the rest of the world.

Final Thoughts on Reasons to Buy Local Food

There’s something almost sacred about preparing food that you or a neighbor grows. You know the people, the land, and the entire seed-to-harvest process and how long it’s traveled. It’s a blessing to be able to support farmers, and you’ll be thankful each time you set the family table with the help of organic produce.

4 Ways to Turn on Your Inner Drive in Life

March 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Everyone has something that motivates them, and it’s called your internal drive. While you may think you understand everything behind your motivation, most folks don’t take the time to analyze how you make decisions and find your passions. The good news is that it’s possible to find the things that create that inner fire and drive you forward in life.

When it comes to your inner drive and motivation, you can easily visualize it by dividing it into four separate sections. These areas include:

Psychological Tools and Methods
Exploring Your Spirituality
Your Creativity
Your Local Community

Four Ways to Improve Your Motivation and Reach Your Goals

Each one of these items has a direct impact on your inspiration. If one is lacking, you will tell the difference as it affects the other areas. The best approach is to combine all these things to help you in your life’s journey. Here’s how these four methods can help you kick your inner drive into high gear.

1. Psychological Tools and Methods

Think of your mental tools as aids that help you stoke your inner fires. Have you ever built a campfire? It would help if you always had kindling, wood, and something to stir it to keep the flame burning vividly. If you don’t fuel the campfire, it will burn down and eventually go out.

Your psychological tools are devices used to make your blaze burn brighter, and the following items can be utilized:

Therapy
Self-help books
Uplifting television programing
Ted Talks and other podcasts geared towards survival and thriving
The Internet

There are so many things that you can use to give your spiritual man a boost. Synchronicity is something that’s been used since the last decade. Ironically, it was started by renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung in May of 1930.

Jung was one of the forefathers of psychology, and he used philosophical concepts that were well beyond his years. As a protégé of Sigmund Freud, he took a more spiritual approach to his studies, whereas Freud relied on a humanistic one. He believed the surprising coincidences that happen in your life aren’t just by chance, but the synchronicity of them is undeniable.

While the 1930s proved significant for psychology, it’s skyrocketed from there. Carl Rogers was another psychologist that took a particular interest in finding what motivates people and how to help folks find their motivating factors. According to Psychology Today, you can take tests like the Meyers-Briggs Personality Evaluation to help you with this task.

Many employment agencies and headhunters use these to uncover career interests and define your personality type. However, you can also take the test online, which can help find your inspiration. Exploring your character is a great way to uncover your passions, which will only help you find fulfillment in living life’s purpose.

2. Exploring Your Spirituality

You’re a spiritual being, but whether or not you choose to embrace this is a personal choice. Your idea of a deity is not essential, but it’s essential to use your spiritual side to find your inner drive. There are three concepts behind the spiritual aspects of your being, which include:

Defining your spirituality and what it means to you
Aligning your life with your beliefs
Spirit versus Ego

What does spirituality mean to you as an individual? Think carefully about your answer, as it’s often the direct reflection of your inner drive. Some folks have an innovative spirit, while others tend to be more curious.

You’re probably wondering how this can help you with your journey to find your inner drive? Spirituality is parallel to your life, and it’s an essential aspect of how you treat others and keep your environment. Some folks believe in conscience or a more profound process, and that’s okay.

However, you need to connect with the spiritual part of your being to help discover your inspiration. Once you uncover this, you must ensure your life aligns with the spirit. It would help if you exposed your humility, which is not always easy.

A good example is discovering that your motivation comes from a place of arrogance and greed. Thankfully, when you align with the spiritual part, you learn that your desires to have the newest car and best home aren’t good motivational items. You can embrace change easier when your spiritual guides are driving you.

Lastly, it would help to look at your divine side versus making decisions based on your ego. Finding your essence is a big topic of discussion by philosophers. The goal of being on a spiritual journey is to become holier or God-like.

How do you reconnect with your spiritual self?

However, you soon learn how ego-driven your flesh is in relation to spirit. The path to aligning your soul and finding your inner drive can be challenging, but it’s all a journey towards making you a better person. You can start your spiritual journey by doing things like:

Meditation
Prayer
Yoga
Reading inspirational materials (Bible, Torah, Tipitaka, Bhagavad Gita, Quran)
Exercising your body

3. Your Creativity

Artistic expression is a great way to find your flow in life. It may seem odd to say you can find what motivates you when you tap into your creative side. You probably think that it’s just the opposite.

Each day you make choices that help you create the life you want to live and to gain a sense of authenticity. Maybe you can’t draw, write poetry, or sing, but you can write in a journal. Getting that constant stream of consciousness out on paper can be very therapeutic in helping you find your voice.

What is “your voice?” Your voice is how you express your drive in the world. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, you can find your creative side by your work. Do you desire to create something for the business world, like a new product?

When you start asking yourself tough questions like this and answer them honestly, you will uncover the doorway that will help you find your inner drive.

4. Your Local Community

Your community is the people that surround you. It can be the neighbors by your home or the people you work and fellowship with daily. These are the folks that can help you see the best parts of yourself that you’re blinded to.

For instance, you’re making copies at work and singing one of your favorite songs. You think nothing of it as it helps the day go by quicker. However, a coworker passes by and hears your voice, and they’re immediately awestruck.

They compliment you on your singing voice and how you should make some demos. Now, you know you can carry a tune, but you never gave this talent much thought. Thankfully, it was your community that brought something to your attention that you overlooked.

You might find your financial freedom as well as your happiness by pursuing a talent you didn’t even consider. Your community can help drive and push you into new paths and point out your strengths as well as give constructive criticism.

When trying to find your inner drive to reach your goals, you need the support of family and friends. They can see things that you can’t see, and their perspective means all the difference in the world. If you don’t have a community you associate with in person, there’s always the internet.

There are so many chat rooms and peer support groups that you can find a community in the comfort of your home. Find people that allow you to express yourself openly, and you will find the support you need for life’s biggest questions. Surround yourself with positive people that will help you live your own life and push you towards your goals.

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Find Your Inner Drive

As you begin this journey, you need to ask yourself some challenging questions. It would help if you had authenticity in your life, and you can help uncover that by answering the following things:

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How has your personality altered over the years, and why?
What type of temperament do you have?
What does spirituality mean to you?
Are you an active part of a community that motivates you?
What are you attracted to?
What repels you?
Are you stagnating or in a state of flow in your life?
What are your short- and long-term goals?
What resources do you need to make a difference in the world around you?

Final Thoughts on Kicking Your Inner Drive into High Gear

If you want to live a good life and reach all your goals, you must embrace the four items listed above. Remember, if you don’t stir the fires up within you, they will fizzle and die out. The good news is when you have community support, they can help for those times when you’re just too tired and feel like giving up.

Psychiatry Explains How Depression Makes People Feel Tired and Irritable

March 5, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Irritability and exhaustion have become normal feelings for many people. You might snap at others and feel guilty or overreact and experience shame. However, these negative feelings aren’t normal, and you could be depressed when you feel tired and irritable regularly.

You might feel tired and short-tempered if you’ve recently gone through a situation that left you mentally exhausted. However, if the feelings aren’t temporary, it could signify a much bigger issue, such as depression. Fatigue affects more than 90% of those with mental health conditions, so there is a clear correlation.

Many people think that fatigue is a cause of depression, but that isn’t accurate. However, depression causes a severe drop in energy levels for seemingly no reason. The other signs of depression worsen fatigue and irritability, causing it to interfere with every area of your life.

You can positively change lives if you know how depression causes exhaustion. It’s also essential that you know how to tell if depression is the cause of your fatigue and how you can feel well-rested. Knowledge helps with overcoming mental health conditions and promoting your overall well-being.

What Is Irritability?

Irritability is when you become annoyed over little things. You’ll be over-sensitive to what other people say or do, and you’ll be more sensitive about your environment. The situations you put up with daily will start to feel impossible, and you might feel like you don’t know how to get through.

You snap at others when you don’t know how to deal with the situation or feelings. You might say hurtful things or make someone feel bad for talking to you. When depression is the cause of your irritability, you’ll experience a foggy brain, too, worsening the issue.

How to Know If Depression Is Causing You to Feel Tired

When you’re tired all the time, it makes it difficult to engage in your daily life. You’ll realize that you socialize less, struggle to focus at work and experience a change in your appetite. Additionally, your activity levels might diminish.

To determine if depression is causing you to feel tired and grumpy, you’ll want to look for other symptoms. General fatigue isn’t enough to signify depression on its own, but it’s a sure sign when it’s paired with other symptoms. If you experience multiple depression symptoms regularly over two weeks, it indicates depression.

Depression affects how you think, act, and feel, so identifying the signs of depression can help you cope with your symptoms. If you experience any other signs, too, depression could be the cause.

Eight Signs and Symptoms of Depression

There are many signs and symptoms of depression. If you only experience one sign, it might not be depression. However, you could have depression if you experience more than one of the following signs for two weeks or more:

Decreased motivation
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Everyday tasks become difficult, including eating, showering, and getting dressed
Difficulty sustaining focus
Inability to concentrate
Difficulty processing information
Struggling to form emotional connections
Feeling hopeless

How to Tell If Depression Is Not the Cause of Irritability or When You Feel Tired

If you don’t think it’s depression, there are a few indicators that you need more sleep. One sign is that you want to do things but don’t have the energy to do them. With depression, you won’t even desire to do the things you once enjoyed, and it won’t be because you feel tired.

Another way to tell if it is not depression-related fatigue is to feel better after getting some sleep. If you get a good night’s sleep and your mood improves, it’s likely general fatigue. Depression-related fatigue doesn’t get better after rest, indicating other underlying issues.

How Depression Makes People Feel Tired and Irritable

1. It Acts on Neurotransmitters

Depression can be debilitating and exhaust people because it affects neurotransmitters that affect alertness and your internal reward system. The neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin fluctuate when someone experiences depression, affecting energy levels, sleep, appetite, motivation, and pleasure.

2. Depression Affects Your Ability to Sleep

When you experience depression, it affects your ability to sleep, creating an unfortunate cycle. Then, the fatigue sets in, exacerbating your depression signs. You might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep long enough to get rest. You might also wake up too early or not be able to sleep deeply.

3. When You Feel Tired and Depressed, It Takes a Toll on Motivation

Depression can cause a severe decrease in your motivation levels. Doing simple tasks makes you feel physically and emotionally exhausted, so anything more seems impossible. You might struggle to dress, buy groceries, or say hello to others.

Plus, it causes brain fog, making it hard to complete thoughts and make decisions. These issues expend exponential energy levels, leaving you feeling tired and short-tempered. If you push yourself to get things done, you’ll feel even more exhausted, creating an endless cycle.

4. Depression Limits Your Tolerance Level

Your tolerance level won’t be very high when you wake up tired and grumpy. Most people wake up without feeling this way, so it takes much more to set them off. However, if you feel grumpy from the moment you wake up, then your window of tolerance will fill up much more quickly.

You’ll snap at people more often when you’re constantly functioning on a window that never gets empty. This mindset makes you feel tired because it seems you’re always dealing with things that irritate you. Everyone needs a break from irritation to decrease their window of tolerance, but depression doesn’t always allow that to happen.

5. It Causes Hypersensitivity When You Feel Tired and Constantly Depressed

Depression makes you overly sensitive to everything around you, affecting your senses. Lights might seem brighter, sounds become louder, and textures are more pronounced. Hypersensitivity can be hard to deal with on top of all the other feelings you experience.

When you’re constantly working to overcome irritation, sensory overload is the last thing you need. It becomes too much for you, making you feel exhausted.

6. It Makes You Frustrated

Depression commonly causes frustration because you want to be happy and get things done but can’t get past the issue. You will likely struggle to make sense of things, and your mind will continually race. When those things happen, it creates frustration because you want a better mindset and react differently.

While frustration might not seem like a big deal, it can quickly make you tired and irritable. You won’t want to keep trying when you feel you can’t get your words and ideas out.

7. It Causes Brain Fog When You Are Depressed and Feel Tired

Depression causes brain fog, making it hard to understand your feelings or thoughts. It might cause you to feel disoriented, which is a scary sensation. When this happens, you’ll struggle to understand what people say or do.

You might also have a hard time making sense of your environment. No matter how subtle, the fear associated with brain fog can make you lash out from irritation. Plus, you’ll be so busy trying to make sense of your thoughts that the irritation only worsens. Before you know it, you’re exhausted from trying so hard and trying to maintain your composure.

8. It Causes Overwhelm When People Try to Help

Your loved ones have good intentions and want to help you feel better. However, their undesired help can cause irritation and overwhelming frustration instead of improving things.

Even the most well-meaning people can exacerbate your depression symptoms, making you feel tired. When people try to help, it can make you feel like you’ve lost all control of your life and the situation.

9. You Rely on Routines and Patterns

People with depression rely on routines and patterns to make sense of the world. Routine makes you feel in control of your life, allowing you little bits of stability in times of uncertainty. If your routines get thrown off for any reason, it can cause you to feel tired.

10. Depression Causes Memory Problems

Depression affects memory, and it wears you out when you can’t remember things. People who have learned to manage their memory issues have ways of coping. They make lists, write everything down, or take pictures of things to remember later.

Whether your coping mechanisms are conscious or not, they help you feel in control of your life. When their coping mechanisms aren’t in place, it can quickly make you tired and short-tempered.

Final Thoughts on Psychiatry Explains How Depression Makes People Feel Tired and Irritable

Depression affects every part of a person’s life, and it can make you feel tired and irritable. Now that you know why depression makes you feel cranky and tired, you can better understand the issues.

Knowledge helps you overcome depression and get the sleep you desperately need. Plus, identifying depression as the culprit can help you improve your mental health. You’ll learn how to overcome the symptoms, allowing you to live a fulfilling life.

20 Ways to Earn Admiration Without Even Trying

March 5, 2022 by Chris Butler

Everyone needs a hero or mentor they can look up to and emulate, as well as someone to admire. No matter who you are or what you do, you’re a direct influence on your inner circle and even strangers. What are the habits you have that help you to earn the admiration of others?

Respect is one way to get others to admire you. Setting high standards for your actions cultivates self-confidence and respect. You’ll be proud of your accomplishments and will be an inspiration to those around you.

Twenty Ways to Earn the Admiration of Others

People won’t automatically start admiring and respecting you. These high regards are earned and don’t come easily. They look for things like a compassionate demeanor. Here are twenty habits that will help you to gain the admiration of others effortlessly.

1. Quit Saying “I’m Sorry.”

Of course, you should apologize for offenses and ask for forgiveness when you’ve done something wrong. If you accidentally bump into someone or have a minor faux pas, saying “I’m sorry” is good manners. However, chronic apologizing is not only unnecessary but annoying.

When you’re constantly saying “I’m sorry” over every little thing at home and work, you reduce your influence. You’re giving the impression that you’re always to blame and can’t do anything right. Saving your apologies for when they’re genuinely warranted can help you earn respect.

2. Live a Moral Life to Earn Admiration

Remember the classic scolding to practice what you preach? It doesn’t do you a bit of good to express your values and not live them. Such hypocrisy builds mistrust, contempt, and a toxic atmosphere.

Don’t be ashamed to share your personal beliefs and respect others. You’ll earn respect when you are true to your principles and don’t give in to peer pressure.

3. Don’t Be a Tale Teller

According to an article published by Character Lives, gossiping is human nature. Doesn’t everyone like a little juicy tidbit now and again? However, the report states that gossip tears people down degrades your character, and may ruin your reputation.

4. Earn Admiration at Work by Being a Team Player

When you’re part of a team, everybody does their part to ensure success. Your skills and experience benefit you even more, when you share them with others. People will admire and respect you when you help solve problems and create value.

5. Do Your Homework

Nobody has respect for someone who has no pride in their work. As a self-respecting person, you value a job done correctly. You’ll often go the extra mile to research and review your work to ensure that you’ve done the best you can.

6. Have Self-Respect When Hoping to Gain the Admiration of Others

Have you ever been around someone who is constantly downing themselves? Admiring yourself is essential. It creates negative energy in the atmosphere, and it’s hard to respect that person. If you want to earn respect from others, you need to have self-respect, self-confidence, and dignity.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Implement Your Ideas

It’s tempting to forget ideas that may seem out of the ordinary. You’ll earn more admiration if you follow your gut feelings and go with them. Don’t be afraid to be unique and try something you’ve never done in the past.

8. Earn Admiration by Keeping Your Word

You earn admiration and respect from others when you keep your word. If you’re a people pleaser, you may be afraid to say “no” and over-commit yourself. If you can’t do what you promise, then don’t commit.

9. Be Endlessly Encouraging

Part of being a skilled conversationalist is to get folks to open up about themselves. Please encourage them to discuss their interests, hobbies, and dreams as you actively listen. You’ll earn admiration when you motivate and inspire family and friends to be their best.

10. Don’t Be a Door Mat

Being compassionate and generous doesn’t mean you allow people to take advantage of you. You may think that being at others’ beck and the call will make them like you more. Unfortunately, people pleasers don’t earn respect and are often scorned and run over even more.

Be kind, be gracious, but don’t be a pushover. When people see that you stand up for yourself, they’ll respect you more. Plus, you won’t feel the burden of the resentment that comes with pleasing people all the time.

11. Be Proactive

Employers respect employees who show initiative and creativity on a task. There are times when you need to wait for instructions, but this is not always the case. Be proactive, see the need, and finish the job instead of wasting valuable time.

People in your circle will also appreciate that you’re a proactive thinker. You anticipate the questions and work on a solution before anyone even asks. You’ll earn admiration as a go-getter and a positive influence, whether it be at home or work.

12. Speak Your Mind

Even if you have the most profound idea in the world, it’s nothing if you don’t share. Confident people aren’t shy about sharing their opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Likewise, others respect you more when you give them the same courtesy.

Another point about self-respect is telling people how you want to be treated. It’s not rude to speak up for yourself when someone is stepping on your toes. Speak your mind politely but firmly, and others will respect you for it.

13. Show Admiration and Respect Your Elders

You probably remember your parents teaching you good manners and respecting those older than you. Even when you’re an adult, you’ll always have wiser and more experienced people to look up to. Respect their experience, learn from them, and you’ll find that the respect will be mutual.

14. Admit to Your Mistakes to Gain Admiration

As long as you’re human, you’ll make mistakes and have shortcomings. People will respect you more when you own your mistakes, apologize, and strive to do better. Only toxic people shift the blame and claim to be perfect.

15. Don’t Be Afraid of Confrontation

Edmund Burke famously remarked that evil triumphs when good people do nothing, per Quotemaster. When you see injustice and the powerful taking advantage of less powerful ones, don’t be afraid to speak up for them. Indeed, it’s your moral obligation to do so.

Your supervisors will respect you more if you mention valid points in your professional life. You can confront an issue and still maintain your dignity. It’s a matter of right and wrong and listening to your inner sense of justice.

16. Be Respectful of Others’ Time

You send a negative message when you’re chronically late for appointments in your personal and professional life. You tell the other person that their time is worthless, and you don’t value punctuality. Be on time and respect the time of others, and they’ll do the same for you.

17. Know When to Be Silent

Conversations are a two-way street where each person has a chance to talk while the other listens. There’s a big difference between “hearing” someone speak and actively listening to what they’re saying. That means being silent, not interrupting, and paying attention to the other person.

There are other times when keeping silent is best. If you’re angry and don’t want to say something you’ll later regret, then it would be best to hold your tongue. Judicious silence can be just as powerful as a rousing speech.

18. Learn to Control Your Emotions

Humans are emotional beings, so it’s only natural to display emotions. Showing your feelings doesn’t make you a weak individual. However, to be wise, you must learn to control your emotions instead of allowing your feelings to manage you.

People will respect you when you’re comfortable with your emotional side. You’ll earn even more admiration when you know how to control your emotions.

19. Be Humble to Earn the Admiration of Your Friends and Family

Sincere humility is a virtue that makes you great. While you should be proud of your abilities and accomplishments, let others do the praising. Humble people know how to genuinely boost other people’s ideas, thoughts, and dreams.

There’s little worse than to be stuck in a one-sided conversation with an arrogant person. Their arrogance does little to garner respect and only causes toxic relationships.

20. Keep An Open Mind

It would help if you took a stand on your morals and spiritual convictions. But when it comes to differing ideas and opinions, try to keep an open mind. Listening to people from different walks of life can help you gain a new perspective.

People will admire you when you are steadfast in your principles, but not so much if you do not respect theirs. Be willing to discuss your differences while finding common ground. It benefits you and everyone involved.

Final Thoughts on Earning the Admiration of Others

Earning the esteem of family and friends is a life-long task. It helps your abilities as a leader, friend, mate, and family member. Gaining other people’s respect is a life goal that you’ll never regret.

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