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Cosmic Views for August 2020

The cosmic views for August 2020 bring us a sense of optimism and delusion in the air. Neptune, square Venus in Gemini, makes it difficult to be practical with the things that count. The challenge of the virus is still around, and we’re all frustrated, anxious to feel healthy, whatever that means to you. Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn in Capricorn makes communication and accomplishing everyday tasks challenging. Slow down and embrace the struggle.

There is an end to this long journey, but right now, you need to be cautious and safe. You’re exhausted, tired, and upset. This emotion is not what you wanted your life to be, but ask anyone in the circumstances they can’t control, you have to find strength from within to keep going. This will end. Life will once again taste sweet, but patience and perseverance are required.

The Sun begins this month in square to Uranus in Taurus. Your ego will make demands. It wants change. It wants freedom. The Full Moon on the 2nd, in Aquarius, brings the battle between control and freedom to ahead. Don’t do something stupid because you’re impatient. Saturn in Capricorn gives you the strength to do what makes you safe, even if it’s a struggle. Remember, that’s the only way to take control and move forward. Jupiter remains retrograde until September. Then it begins its journey out of Capricorn.

When it finally enters Aquarius on December 20th, you begin to reconnect to life familiarly. Until then, wear your mask and be careful. Keep to your routine, and if you don’t have one, create one. Repetition helps you take charge of your mind and your urges.

Read on for the cosmic view for August.

Cosmic Views for August 2020 for Aries (March 21st – April 20th)

Anger is not an alien emotion to any Aries. However, this month it’s prominent. With Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn, the passion you’ve been repressing will find its way to the surface. Don’t become the saboteur, the person that doesn’t want to listen to what’s right for you because it requires change. And don’t act out for attention.

If you give in to that impulse, then you will live this month fighting pointless battles and getting into the way of your own goals. It’s time to dig in and know what’s important. With Mars square Mercury, the desire to avoid an argument doesn’t exist – you’re looking for a fight to relieve your inner tension. What you will learn about yourself now is the importance of self-discipline, It’s necessary for success in love and business, and it’s the key to your happiness.

The Full Moon on the 3rd, in Aquarius, helps you feel independent and reminds you that it’s how you offer your opinion that determines if anyone hears it. You’re known for being direct, but what you need to do is listen. When you see what someone else wants, then you also know the path to a resolution. Saturn stations retrograde on the 2nd and begin its journey out of Capricorn and back into Aquarius, where it will help you redefine freedom.

Venus enters Cancer on the 8th, and emotions began to rule. Neptune is also square Venus, enhancing delusion and fantasy, which may lead to wrong choices or decisions. This is a dangerous month for all Aries if you have valuable life decisions to make. Your feet are not securely on the ground because your sense of reality is distorted. If you’re in a relationship, whatever is not working will be visible. Face the truth and work it out. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to meet new people.

cosmic view of august 2020

Taurus (April 21st – May 20th)

Taurus is excellent at putting aside any emotion that gets in the way of what they desire. This month, the passion that dominates is anger. With Mars in Aries, square Jupiter, the Moon, Neptune, and Saturn, there is not much that won’t irritate you. Instead of projecting this emotion, try owning it. Let go of self-judgment and give yourself support.

Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll turn them into building blocks. Anger is the first stage of digging up the truth. Now try and understand the real reason behind your agitation. Get to the core of your feelings, and then the emotion will not be wasted.

Life is challenging, and there’s not much you can count on for the moment, but you’ll come out ahead if you just slow down. The lesson is to be at the moment. When you are present, good things happen. The moment is all anyone has. Learn to use it in new ways. With Uranus square the Sun, new ideas and solutions present themselves to help you solve your challenges. Just be open to change. Do something different. Get out of your rut and challenge yourself.

The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 3rd is in your 10th house of career. The square it makes to Uranus opens the door to change and new solutions. Saturn goes retrograde in Capricorn on the 2nd, and the desire to repeat old patterns is strong – this is your chance to change. Learn from how it makes you feel. If you’re in a relationship, things are not secure.

You may see things you don’t like. Ignoring the truth will not help you move forward. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to start something new unless you use it as an escape.

Gemini (May 21st – June 20th)

Gemini begins the month with your ruler, Mercury, in opposition to the Moon, Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. Not an easy challenge under any circumstances. What you don’t want it to do is feel stuck. If what’s happening is not essential to your survival, then take a deep breath and wait until the 6th when Mercury enters Leo and forms better relationships with the other planets.

As a Gemini, you don’t slow down like other people. There is a need to move and to do anything to keep yourself interacting in the world around you. Sitting still is not an option. Quiet time leads to delving into your wounds or facing the issues that need your attention.

The more you avoid the shadow, the more stuck you feel. With four planets in Capricorn trine Uranus, change is happening with or without your consent. Stop fighting it and allow your life to evolve.  Mars in Aries, squaring the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, keep the anger close to the surface. If you don’t explode, someone else will. There is anger to cope with, and it may come from a partner or a friend, and even if it’s not directed at you, it’s still in your environment. Get out of the way. You can’t control someone else, only yourself – set your boundaries.

Venus square Neptune offers your fantasies as a safe way to escape. Remember, only truth has the power to eliminate illusions, so don’t stay too long in La La Land, it’s not healthy. The Full Moon on the 3rd, in Aquarius, in square to Uranus, creates a need to change your plans. If you’re in a relationship, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Your partner is both eager for change and angry that it’s being imposed on him or her. If you’re single, it’s an excellent time to meet new people. Just proceed with caution.

August 2020 Cosmic Views for Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd)

Cancers often appear as if they’re loners, but this is only possible if they have someone who cares, someone dedicated to their survival. They need a mothering energy to check in on them, a good heart that will put their needs before their own.

The challenge this month is concerned with communication – you need to let others know how you feel. You don’t like change, but it’s necessary, and it’s happening now regardless of your judgments or displeasure. If you want to know success, you must pay attention to what others think. There are times when compromise is the only way forward.

Find a way to do just that. Venus enters into your sign on the 8th, and harmony goes away for all the right reasons. Get out of your rut and adjust. Comfort is not always the best choice for Cancer. Mars, in Aries square four planets in Capricorn, creates an environment of anxiety and tension. Be prepared to meet angry people for no apparent reason. However, considering what’s going on around us all, it’s easy to understand that others are on edge and looking for a fight.

Anything to get rid of frustration. Be cautious. Fights can quickly get out of hand.

The Full Moon on the 3rd, in Aquarius, creates a situation you can’t avoid. Whatever you’ve been ignoring will now be in your face. Something has to give or be scrutinized with complete attention. Don’t dismiss the problem. It won’t go away. If you’re in a relationship, things are challenging. It may not even be your relationship that is the problem, but some issues must be faced, and they affect your peace of mind. If you’re single, you need your energy to take care of the moment. You will have sufficient time for love and fun in a few weeks.

Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd)

Leos have a natural strength that comes from a healthy ego. What they need is a way to balance their ego with their emotional needs. The best method to accomplish this feat is to get out of yourself. Help someone on the same path as you, share what you’ve learned.

Until you share your knowledge, it’s not truly yours. With five planets in your 6th house, you either are busy, or you’re stuck. Mars square Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter pushes you to break out of your dilemma and get moving. Open yourself up to new ideas, along with new ways of making things happen. This is a time for inventiveness.

Venus enters Cancer on the 8th, and it softens the blows of Mars by spreading love and good feelings. Uranus in your 10th house, in trine to the Moon, makes change a necessity, not a choice. Repeating the past is not an option. It’s time to rethink your goals. When Uranus stations retrograde on the 16th, you’ll have a chance to go back and pick up opportunities you may have ignored. It’s not yet too late to find a better way.

A gift for the moment is an enhanced intuition. The trine from Neptune to Mercury brings out the philosopher and poet in you. You may feel more sensitive to the feelings of others, and this will help you see the bigger picture. Neptune sextile Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, add a little fantasy and dreaming to your thoughts. It’s time for new ideas. If you are in a relationship, your partner may be helping you out with your business.

They are supportive and what they have to offer is precisely what you need. If you’re single, a relationship that is not already established will be too much to handle. If you’re ready for a more significant commitment, then make one. Don’t run away from love.

Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd)

Virgos have an obsessive nature. Add four planets in Capricorn, and that obsession gets ignited. The danger is that fear will be triggered, not your passion. When fear rules, then it’s easy to make the wrong decisions. You will act to protect yourself instead of advance along your path. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2nd, and it helps you reconnect to some unresolved issues that need to be fixed.

Saturn always reveals what’s not working and gives you a chance to adjust or make improvements. It’s not easy to look at reality and face the truth, but only truth can be trusted. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 3rd brings work issues to full circle.

The square to Uranus in your 9th house of ideals, insists you reexamine what you believe is possible. Are you aiming high enough or perhaps too low? You need to stretch yourself just beyond what you think is possible, but not so much that it discourages you from trying. Be critical for a moment and change what needs to be altered.

Venus enters Cancer, and the focus is on friendships. The people that you love and those who love you will be there for you. Mars in Aries square Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter makes everything you do feel impossible. Let go of the tension and go with the flow. Anxiety only slows you down and fills you with worry. You are a sign that likes to be in control, and you’re not. That’s why faith is necessary. When you believe something is possible, it is.

All you need is patience and faith. If you don’t have faith – fake it. It gets you going in the right direction. If you’re in a relationship, love is not peaceful. There is too much going on. If you’re single, it will be challenging to meet and pursue a relationship unless it’s part of your destiny.

pop memesLibra (September 23rd – October 22nd)

Libras struggle with power. This is the sign where your focus shifts from others to the self. The soul is ready to be independent and create a life according to its vision – no one else’s. To do this, you must take the lead. If you’re not a leader, you will be a frustrated follower. Get your act together, and you’ll surprise yourself.

Mars, in Aries square Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter, puts the focus on your 4th house and the home. There is a lot of happenings going on under your roof – don’t let others create havoc or rule. To discover what you want, requires a moment of selfishness – what makes you happy, what do you want?

Take care of your needs first. Then you can help others with theirs. With Uranus in the 8th house of transformation and going retrograde on the 16th, there is an opportunity to make necessary changes. You’ve been growing, and you now see yourself and the world differently, so it’s reasonable to want change. Think of this shift as an opportunity to add growth to your persona. If you’re stronger, own it. And if you have a more prominent voice, use it. If you have a higher truth, pursue it. No one stays the same if you’re living your own life. With Venus square Neptune, work may be an issue because your goals are unclear.

You’re not sure of your priorities, and without clarity, it’s challenging to make righteous decisions. Let go of what’s holding you back. It frees you to move forward. Venus enters Cancer and your 10th house on the 8th. This brings new social contacts to your career.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not in a good place. They are angry and tense, and it could put a strain on the relationship. If you’re single, this is a time to take care of yourself.

Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st)

The focus of Scorpio this month is on communication. You have a message to share that must be expressed. If you don’t feel it, then you’re not listening to yourself. Inside there is a voice that wants to be heard. Meditate or spend some time in nature and clear your thoughts.

To be strong, you need alone time. Scorpio energy is attracted to the shadow, and so you frighten others with your courage and confidence when it comes to danger or risk. You enjoy what they fear. The truth is you’re not as tough as you seem. There’s a soft part, a sensitive side that strives for perfection, something you want, and yet you know it’s impossible – but the striving for it makes you strong.

The key to peace and satisfaction is to learn how to give. Remember, what you give comes back to you. When you use your strength to help others, you find that doors open unexpectedly. Mars, in Aries in your 6th house, get you working on a project or a vision. The square to Mercury indicates that anger is a problem; it creates unnecessary tension or fights. Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn in Capricorn create a struggle when it comes to advancing.

You can’t just do things your way. The situation requires compromise. If it’s a problem, remind yourself that nothing is perfect, and what’s more important is to make things happen. The Full Moon on the 3rd, in Aquarius and your 4th house, bring issues in the home to a head. Don’t let anything throw you off your center – learn to adapt, at least for the moment. If you’re in a relationship, things are changing, and not for the worst.

Remind yourself that change is evolution and growth. If you’re single, you may meet someone that challenges you, Its something that gets your interest.

Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st)

Sagittarius rules abundance and expansion. For the last year, Jupiter has been in Capricorn, the sign that rules your goals and career. Capricorn occupies your 2nd house of values and finances. Paying the bills and organizing your investments may be challenging, but in a few months, it will change.

You’re on a new path, and it will bring you rewards. By the end of the year, Jupiter will be in Aquarius, and you will feel valued and free. Mars in Aries, square Mercury, Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn, creates the conflict you’re struggling with for now. Just keep your distance from the anxiety of others and stand up for yourself.

Don’t let the problems of others bring you down. Be supportive, but don’t take over. For Sagittarius, problems come from issues around authority and children. Do you get the respect you deserve? Are you being overlooked or underpaid?

It’s a difficult time to make demands when so many people are out of work, so the atmosphere is less sensitive to your problems. Use common sense, and you’ll find a way to navigate the conflict. There are good news and new possibilities that will add to your coffer. With Neptune square Venus in Gemini, those you trust may not be reliable – for now.

Pay attention to who you rely on – things have changed, and you need to be aware. If you’re in a relationship, things are challenging. Your partner might not agree with you on important issues. Yes, you can work them out.

If you’re single, it’s a time to explore what you’re really looking for in a relationship. If you know your own needs, you’ll also know what makes you happy. Trust yourself.

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August 2020 Cosmic Views for Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th)

Capricorn has been the focus of the universe for a while. It’s a sign where the journey gets completed, and a new vision must be shaped. With three major planets occupying your sign, you feel both a sense of power and frustration, because things haven’t been moving the way you’d like them to. Don’t be afraid to change directions or adjust your plans. It’s part of the journey.

What’s offered now was never expected. However, that’s what’ life is all about. You achieve, you grow, and then you change because the journey has transformed you into a stronger and wiser person. Draw on your experiences for answers and trust your instincts.

Mars in Aries is about vision. If you have sufficient faith, you can see yourself in a better place. Mars is afflicted this month, making a square to Saturn Pluto, Jupiter, and Mercury. There are obstacles to overcome, problems to solve, but if you embrace them, they won’t last long. By next month you’ll see the light.

With Uranus square the Sun, you want to transform yourself, and yet it can only be done one step at a time. Have patience. Venus square Neptune sends a word of caution when it comes to making decisions in regards to your career. Neptune can cloud the truth and present a path that leads nowhere — pay attention. Check the facts. The Full Moon on the 3rd in Aquarius focuses your attention on finances. You’re either bringing in the money or spending it too quickly. Or perhaps a little of both. Strive for balance. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2nd, and old issues are revisited.

Resolve what you can.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is changing, and in the long run, it’s a good thing. Yes, you’ll have to adjust. If you’re single, there’s a sense of romance in the air, just don’t let your fantasies get too far ahead of reality.

Aquarius (January 20th – February 18th)

Aquarians enjoy being alone. It’s how they get in touch with who they are and what makes them unique. With five planets in your 12th house this month, you must rely on faith and instinct. So much of what you want at the moment is out of your control.

Trust your ability to respond to the moment. The Sun brings partnerships, both business and personal, into play. You may not agree on important issues. You’re a great communicator, so make your case, then listen to the other side. You’ll find a way.

With Venus square Neptune, finances need your attention. It’s also important to double-check the facts. The truth will be hidden, so don’t trust what you hear. Mars in Aries square Mercury and Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn, and the Moon indicates that anger will be something you’ll have to contend with.

Yes, there’s tension in the air, so don’t push anyone’s button unless it’s absolutely necessary. Jupiter goes direct on the 13th, and friendships become a focus. You’re either making new friends or old ones are showing you how much they care. The Full Moon, in your sign on the 3rd, creates a crisis or a need to make a choice. What’s been hidden, suddenly becomes apparent.

The square the Full Moon makes to Uranus brings a surprise. No, you’re not in control, so make things work. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2nd, and by the end of the year, it will be back in your sign, offering you structure and support. If you’re in a relationship, the Full Moon brings an issue to your attention.

Don’t ignore it. If you’re single, it’s not a time to get close. There are other action items that need your attention. Romance may have to be put on hold.

cosmic view of august 2020

The August 2020 Cosmic Views for Pisces (February 19th – March 20th)

Pisces are water, intuitive, and mentally adventurous. You either rule your world or feel like a victim, the choice is yours. To rule, you need to own your power, which means you have to be present. It sounds simple, but it’s not. It’s so much simpler to escape into a false reality.

Life is so much more enticing than your imagination if you’re not afraid of conflict. Life is a struggle that must be embraced. With Neptune in your sign since 2011, you’ve been asked to connect to your soul. Know who you are. Know your passion and your path. Then you won’t feel lost or empty.

With five planets in your 11 house, organizations and friends have been and still are a major focus. The Full Moon in your 12th house may throw you off your center around the 3rd, so don’t plan any important meetings for that day, if you can help it. With Mars in Aries in square to Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn, and Mercury, there are issues around finances and what you choose to invest in.

Don’t let worry block your instincts. It can paralyze you. Remember, fear will only keep you stuck. Uranus square the Sun makes work an unpleasant place. There are changes being implemented, and you’ll have to adjust whether you want to or not. If you are changing jobs, open yourself up to new paths. The unknown is the place of the greatest possibilities.

However, you need to take a risk. Neptune square Venus makes truthful communication a challenge. To see the truth, you have to want it. For now, it’s a challenge to know who you can trust and what is real. If you’re in a relationship, there is anger between you and your partner. Pay attention, and don’t lose your temper. If you’re single, it’s not a good time for romance. Too tumultuous.

Three Inmates Save a Georgia Prison Guard’s Life

On July 10th, 2020, three inmates saved the life of a Gwinnett County, Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy after he suffered a medical emergency.

As the deputy completed his security rounds, the inmates noticed that he appeared to be unwell. Inmates, who were locked down in their rooms, kept a close eye on the well-liked deputy as he completed his check.

As he returned to the guard’s desk in the unit, the deputy passed out, hitting his head on the concrete floor; he sustained a skull fracture.

The inmates in the unit knew they had to help, but what could they do? The inmates closest to the desk could see the dire condition of the officer, and they knew they had to do something. They began hollering for the deputy by name and banging on their doors to rouse him.

A few inmates started making noise. Then the entire unit chimed in to help create even louder noise. They knew they needed to awaken the unconscious deputy. And by now, they could see blood pooling around the man’s head.

The inmates were able to rouse the deputy.  He came to long enough to stand up and hit the “unlock” button and sprung open the doors to the rooms in their unit. Almost immediately, he passed out again.

The inmates reacted immediately.

As soon as the doors popped open, three inmates rushed out and began giving first aid immediately. They also used the desk phone and the distress alarm on the deputy’s radio to call for the assistance of other officers in the facility. Help arrived quickly, and the deputy received immediate treatment.

The deputy later reported that he did not know that he was knocked out or had a head injury, but he heard a lot of beating noise that sounded like a drum and thought that an inmate was in trouble. He thought the inmate had needed him, but it turned out that he needed the inmates!

The deputy is resting at home and expects to make a full recovery and return to work as soon as possible. The entire sheriff’s department feels grateful for the assistance of  Terry Loveless, Walter Whitehead, and Mitchell Smalls.

They note that it was not the responsibility of these men to look after the deputy, but that it goes to show that human kindness sometimes comes from the places where you would least expect it.

Why would the inmates react so positively to a deputy down?

We were curious to learn what motivated these inmates to rush to the aid of the deputy down situation.

According to Deputy Shannon Voldodav, the Public Information Officer of the Gwinnett County Sheriff Department, their facility offers an abundance of therapeutic programs. They do not simply incarcerate the men and women in their jail. Instead, they create opportunities for anyone who chooses to participate in reshaping their lives.

“We provide many therapeutic programs for inmates housed in the Gwinnett County Jail.  If we can release inmates better people than when they arrived, we’ve provided a great service to the community.”  ~Deputy Shannon Voldodav

These programs are not mandatory, but many inmates wisely choose to learn how to make long-lasting changes that translate into their lives outside of jail.

Here are three of the programs that the inmates of this facility enjoy.

1 – The Garden Program

inmates

Gardening offers many therapeutic benefits, as evidenced by research. Some of these reasons to give gardening a try include the following:

  • The activity reduces anxiety and stress
  • Gardening improves the mood–how can you be unhappy when you are out in the sunshine?
  • It gives the inmates a feeling of accomplishment.
  • It’s an excellent exercise.
  • Increases self-esteem
  • Learning to cooperate and work with others

Both male and female inmates at Gwinnett County Jail may participate in The Garden Program. In partnership with the University of Georgia, inmates receive intense knowledge of gardening. They learn:

  • Sustainability
  • Soil management
  • Irrigation
  • Crop management
  • Weed control

Many discover a love for working outdoors. Indeed, some graduates now work in agriculture or landscaping after serving their time.

The gardening program creates a win-win for both inmates and the jail administration. To date, the gardeners have produced over 12,000 pounds of corn, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and other healthy foods for the jail kitchens, providing a better-balanced diet.

garden

2 – Jail Dogs

A second therapeutic program at Gwinnett County Jail is one they are very proud of, Jail Dogs. Because of the overcrowded conditions at local dog rescues, this program literally saves lives–of the dogs most endangered.

The inmates work with professional canine trainers who donate their time and teach the inmates how to train dogs.

That might sound simple on top of the surface, but the dogs in this program are the most likely to be euthanized by the overcrowded shelter. Dogs arrive at the jail from nightmarish situations. Many are beaten, starved, bruised, burned, and some even have bullet wounds.

As training formally commences, the inmate handler bonds with the dogs to restore their trust in humankind and nurses the dogs back to health. Once the dog is wholly restored, mentally, physically, and behaviorally, they go up for adoption with loving families.

The transformation occurs not only in the dogs, however. It also happens that the inmates learn to be kind, compassionate, patient, and more understanding. Some go on to leave the jail and work at kennels, vet clinics, having learned that they have a knack for connecting with animals.

Since the Jail Dogs program started in 2016, they have rehabbed over 650 dogs, according to Deputy Volkodav.

inmates

The Jail Dogs program rehabilitates inmates and canines.

3 – Gwinnett Reentry Intervention Program (GRIP)

Recidivism is a very real threat to every jail. Inmates serve their time intending to stick to the straight and narrow. But, it turns out that life on the outside is not as cut and dry for many. The Gwinnett Reentry Intervention Program lends a helping hand to inmates upon release, in a partnership with the local United Way chapter.

This program provides newly-released inmates with:

  • Mental health services, if needed.
  • Transitional housing to avoid homelessness
  • Addiction treatment or relapse prevention
  • Finding employment

The GRIP program reduces Gwinnett County’s rate of recidivism by as much as 50%, according to Deputy Volkodav.

Final Thoughts on the Three Inmates Who Saved A Prison Guard’s Life

To some, this story sounds remarkable. Many would assume that the guard would have been victimized. However, we know that the power of positivity can work miracles in life–as it did in the injured deputy’s life on July 10th.

Hats off to Terry Loveless, Walter Whitehead, and Mitchell Smalls, the three inmates who save the life of the officer on that day. This is what the Power of Positivity is all about!

How to Tell If a Person Is Smart in 3 Minutes or Less

We’re not here to discuss the intricacies of intelligence or what makes someone smart, so let’s get that out of the way.

Yes, we know that things like I.Q. are controversial. And yes, we know that intelligence can be defined in many ways. Yes, our current methods of measuring intelligence need to change.

But let’s not kid ourselves. Some people are smarter than others. And, sometimes, we must be able to tell if a person’s smart.

Maybe we’re business owners and need to hire a sharp mind. Perhaps we’re looking for the best and brightest doctor to keep us healthy. Or maybe a brilliant tutor to help our child sharpen their skills.

We want to person we’re hiring to have a good head on their shoulders.

How can we find out who’s smart in a time-efficient manner?

A select group of folks from Quora chimed in – and the we selected just one. Not only does the answer make the most logical sense, but it’s also valid from both a common-sense perspective and an empirical one.

For reference, the original question is: How can I identify the smartest person in the room?

One Timothy Emmanuel Lim wrote the answer that the we chose to use. So, Mr. Lim, if you come across this article, thank you for your incredible insights.

“Different smart people, different cues to look out for.”

To give Mr. Lim his full proper credit and to account for subsequent edits made, the we posted his observations in their entirety. (Please see the edited portions in ‘3. It includes the element of humility.’)

smart

‘Different smart people, different cues to look out for.

The smartest person (in no particular order) is most often;

  1. The hardest to verbally challenge (they may have opinions, but it’s purely derived from facts and logic).
  2. The quietest (they’re listening very closely and attentively — still water runs deep).
  3. The most observant (the little things that count are the big things to see — God is in the details).
  4. The fastest to question (and the hardest to answer).
  5. The most reserved, but not shy (because they’re constantly thinking, listening, and processing thoughts, rather than wasting time assuming and unfiltering their comments).
  6. The least reactive (because they know what to expect and not get surprised).
  7. The hardest to convince (while rebutting endlessly).
  8. The most open to question and being proved wrong (truth be above all things — including one’s ego).
  9. The most (logically) critical.
  10. The most bored-looking (not bored, just thinking about other things).
  11. The most unamused (mainly because things may get too predictable).
  12. The most direct (without being rude).
  13. The most secretly attentive (watch the eyes, it’s the greatest indicator).
  14. The most curious (not hyperactive).
  15. The most calm and controlled (rationality keeps the head calm).
  16. The most incomprehensible (some intellects are so superior, they’re too intelligent to be understood, given the right circumstances — thirties communication range).
  17. The most unorthodox (lateral thinking often proves intellectual superiority).
  18. The most receptive (open-minded).
  19. The most verbally intense.
  20. The one who looks the most dumb (circumstantial — never judge a book by its cover).
  21. The least impressed (they’re impressed by things not many people are impressed by, vice-versa).
  22. The least outwardly impressive (again, still water runs deep — they usually don’t care about other’s impressions of them).

Of course, these are some characteristics. The smartest person in the room doesn’t need to display all 22 because it can be subjective to character, personality, views, and upbringing.

The list is non-exhaustive. There are also exceptions here and there.

The smartest is not to be confused with the most knowledgeable. The two characteristics often go hand-in-hand but are independent of each other.

And smart people don’t often think of themselves as smart.

Why Lim is Right

smart peopleThere is much to unpack here, so let’s get to it.

Lim’s response makes sense for two reasons: (1) the humility with which he writes, and (2) the (probable) truth behind its assertions.

I wanted to check Mr. Lim’s credentials by reading some of his Quora posts. He does indeed craft his answers with what seems to be piercing logic. He writes well and is extremely thorough in both his original postings and in his replies. Moreover, he cites references and considers details – two marks of an excellent mind. He’s most certainly of above-average intelligence, a.k.a., smart.

Most importantly, he is humble and open-minded. As we will find out, these are also common characteristics of smart people.

I then got into the meat of Lim’s answer – and am in total agreement on almost every point. Here’s why:

  1. It mirrors a subjective experience.

Most knowledgeable people fit what Lin says to a T. They’re bright without showing it; quiet, receptive, and respectful; reserved and non-reactive; curious and openminded; humble and unassuming.

Most people would agree their perception of smart people is nearly dead-on with what Lim describes. While this isn’t empirical evidence, it’s quite strong and commonsensical.

  1. The author describes introversion, which is related to high I.Q.

If you read through Mr. Lim’s list, you’ll notice that pretty much every line applies to the introvert.

Why is this important?

Because there exists a direct link between introversion and high intelligence. In a study  undertaken by researchers at the University of North Georgia (USA), researchers state in the introduction “It’s (noted) that introverts may exhibit higher I.Q. scores due to their calculated and analytical predisposition because they are more prone to think through things rather than being impulsive.”

Included in the analysis were 59 female undergraduate students; 41 tested as extroverts and 18 as introverts. The introverted group “had significantly better I.Q. scores” than their extroverted counterparts.

Multiple other studies have reached a similar conclusion: introverts are (generally) smarter.

  1. It includes the element of humility, which is characteristic of smart people.

Most smart people exhibit an air of humility, and the ones that don’t aren’t the smart people you want to associate with. Mr. Lim includes two excellent quotes that typify a smart person’s attitude towards their own and others’ intelligence:

“I know I’m intelligent because I know that I know nothing.” — Socrates

And an even better quote to corroborate;

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” — Albert Einstein

Of Socrates, Lim adds:

“A dissection on the quote of Socrates; Socrates states that the more you know — the more aware of what you don’t know, realizing that there is only so much your mind is capable of understanding, henceforth paradoxically stating that intelligent people understand their limitations and therefore humbly acknowledges that they’re not knowledgeable (enough)…”

Also notice that Lim’s response includes open-mindedness, curiosity, reservation, and quietness. Each trait is a hallmark. Such traits often indicate humility, as well.

We could also strengthen the argument for Lin’s insights by pairing #3 with #2. We most often link humility with introverted personalities, which, as we’ve shown, links to higher intelligence.

  1. It makes sense (look at the smart people in your life, including yourself!)

Lin’s answer makes almost total sense. I say almost because it is missing what I believe to be a crucial element: a good heart. Heart intelligence is a real thing, and it is important.

So, Mr. Lim, may I suggest that you add the 23rd item to your list? Let’s keep it simple: “They have a good heart.”

smart

Final Thoughts on Discerning a Smart Person

After you find the “smartest person in the room,” ensure they have the heart to go with it.

13 Benefits of Crying (Mental and Physical)

Crying is a way to express your emotions, whether frustration, grief, sadness, or happiness. It is a natural human experience, and everyone needs to cry every so often. While many people think it is a sign of weakness, there are actually many benefits of crying.

Not all tears are the same, though, and emotional tears offer the most emotional and physical benefits discussed here. Basal tears keep the eyes moist when you blink, and reflex tears occur when triggered by irritants. Emotional tears occur as a response to feelings, and they contain higher levels of hormones and offer many benefits.

Research shows that crying benefits the mind and body, and people cry more often than they let on. Babies benefit from their first cry, and the benefits of crying continue for the rest of your life. While children cry more than adults, women cry 3.5 times each month, and men cry 1.9 times.

Thirteen Mental and Physical Benefits of Crying

Many people apologize for crying, but it allows you to express your emotions and isn’t something you should be embarrassed about. The next time you judge yourself for crying or find yourself telling someone else not to, remember the many benefits of crying.

benefits of crying1. Crying Helps Detoxify the Body

Research shows that crying flushes toxins and built-up chemicals out of your body. As it detoxes and cleanses your body, the tears also clean out debris, making your eyes feel better and protecting them.

2. Crying Helps Self-soothe

Shedding tears offer soothing effects for your mind, heart, and body. Studies show that crying helps you self-soothe and allows you to find peace afterward. Letting go of your built-up emotions will calm you down and give you a general sense of well-being.

Crying activates your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), helping your body rest and brain process. When you cry, give it at least a few minutes before you begin looking for the soothing effects. Self-soothing allows you to do the following:

  • regulate your emotions
  • calm yourself
  • reduce your distress

3. Crying Helps Relieve Pain

When you cry, your body releases the hormones oxytocin and endorphins. Crying when you’re in pain or hurting emotionally will help the pain subside. Even if the pain doesn’t go away entirely, your tears will help lessen the severity.

With the release of endorphins, your body will go into a seemingly numb stage for a little while. The oxytocin will make you feel calm and improve your overall sense of well-being.

4. Crying Helps Improve Your Mood

Many people think that crying will make them feel worse, but that isn’t the case. Studies show that when people cry, they experience a boost to their mood. Plus, crying slows your breathing and heart rate, further boosting your mood and making you feel at peace.

The harder you cry, the more your mood will improve. If you sob, you will breathe in many quick breaths of cool air, regulating your brain temperature. When your brain cools, it gives you more pleasure than when it is warm.

5. Crying Lets People Know You Need Support

When you cry around other people, it lets them know that you need support. Even when you were a baby, crying has let others know that you need comfort and care from others. Many people don’t realize it, but this continues throughout your entire life.

When you’re sad, you might want to isolate yourself and keep your feelings to yourself. Isolating yourself is the worst thing you can do, though, and it doesn’t allow you to get comfort that can help.

Crying helps you build your social network, which is something you need when times get hard. It is known as an interpersonal or social benefit of crying, and it offers mental benefits.

6. Crying Helps You Recover from Grief

The grieving process takes time, and it also requires that you let your feelings out. You’ll experience sorrow, numbness, guilt, and anger. As you work through these feelings, crying is an essential part of the process.

When you lose a loved one, crying is necessary to help you process and accept it. While the grieving process is different for everyone, crying seems to help no matter the situation. You might cry through each stage, but others struggle to let the tears flow.

Pretending that everything is okay won’t help, so let it loose and work through your grief. Crying is the best way to release something that you can’t control, and it encourages healing.

benefits of crying7.  Crying Helps Restore Emotional Balance

You don’t only cry when something makes you sad, as you also cry when you’re happy, scared, or stressed. Research shows that crying can help you restore your emotional equilibrium. When you’re experiencing intense emotion and cry, it helps with recovering from the intensity.

Typically, crying is associated with negativity but can also result from a positive experience. Complex emotions can develop from many different situations. No matter what emotion you feel, letting the tears fall will help you find emotional balance again.

8. Crying Helps you Breathe

You might notice that people tend to take many deep breaths as they try to ease their sobbing. These breaths are the result of the diaphragm contracting and moving downward, which expands your lungs. This expansion creates a vacuum that allows you to take in more air.

When the diaphragm relaxes, your lungs contract and push the air out, resulting in belly breathing. As this process happens, it ensures that enough oxygen spreads throughout the entire body.

If your breathing tends to be shallow when you cry, though, it’s referred to as chest breathing. With chest breathing, you only use the upper part of your lungs, hindering oxygen circulation. When this is a problem, focus on taking deeper breaths in between sobs to help your body regain its breathing rhythm.

9. Crying Helps You Sleep

When you cry, it helps you relax and brings a sense of peace. Even when you’re still upset, it’ll give you enough relaxation to fall asleep. If your emotions are pent-up and negative thoughts keep you awake at night, try letting the tears flow.

Studies show that crying helps babies sleep better, and it offers the same benefits to adults. It gives calming, mood-enhancing, and pain-relieving effects. All of these effects can help you fall asleep easier and get some rest to help you recover.

10. Crying Improves Your Vision

This benefit involves basal tears, which are released whenever you blink. These tears help keep the eyes moist, preventing mucous membranes from drying out. Experts explain that this effect can help you see clearly because your vision can blur when your membranes dry out.

Your eyes require hydration just like the rest of your body, and basal tears offer a solution. Not only does it improve your vision, but it improves your ability to focus, too.

Plus, your tears remove particles, dust, dirt, and other debris from your eyes. Even when you can’t see these particles, they can irritate and harm your eyes and vision.

11. Crying Relieves Stress

When you cry, it helps relieve your pent-up stress and tension. While your situation might not have changed, you will notice much less stress after you let yourself cry. Scientists are still working to figure out the exact reason why crying relieves stress, but the evidence is clear that it does.

Emotional tears have a higher hormone level, explaining the intense sense of relief people experience. Tears also contain other chemicals that can increase your stress levels, so letting them out through tears helps. Additionally, emotional tears contain manganese, helping with mood regulation.

12. Crying Helps Fight Bacteria and Infection

Crying can help kill bacteria and infection as tears contain antimicrobial properties. One of the properties is lysozyme, a fluid that reduces the risks caused by bioterror agents. Plus, dry eyes can cause an inability to fight infection, so keeping them lubricated with tears is essential.

13. Crying Helps Clean the Nose, Too

Your tear ducts connect to the inside of your nose through your lacrimal glands and tear ducts. When you cry, your tears mix with mucus and flush bacteria and irritants from your nose. It also lubricates your nose, preventing and reducing bacteria.

The nose cleansing begins before tears ever run down your face. Plus, when you try to hold back tears, more of them come through your nose. Tears mixing with mucus is the reason you have to blow your nose so much when you cry.

When Does Crying Become Unhealthy?

If you frequently experience unexplained crying, it could be a sign of an illness. Some neurological problems due to injury or illness can affect the part of your brain that controls emotions.

Sometimes these neurological conditions are called emotional incontinence because of your lack of control over emotions. During these instances, your feelings often won’t match up with your feelings.

Another time crying becomes unhealthy is when excessive crying interferes with your daily activities. When this happens, it could be a sign of depression.

benefits of cryingFinal Thoughts on Benefits of Crying (Mentally and Physically)

Crying is a natural human experience, and it allows you to express yourself and feel better. The many benefits of crying can help you feel better about shedding tears when experiencing intense emotion.

Let yourself feel and express the emotions that you are experiencing. Releasing the feelings and finding a sense of calm will help, and it’ll help you make sense of what you are feeling.

Therapists Explain 11 Recurring Dreams Never to Ignore

What is your recurring dream trying to tell your subconscious?

Have you ever dreamed of breathlessly running down a long hallway, but you never found the door? Or, perhaps you are back in school and can’t find your classroom, and you have an overwhelming fear of being late. Psychology Today reports that 60 to 75% of adults have recurring dreams.

“A recurring dream probably merits close attention. Something wants you to pay attention.” Amy Hardie

What Messages Your Dreams Might Be Sending

Interpreting dreams has been an essential part of human history. Dream Moods explains that clay tablets depicting visions have been discovered, dating as far back as 4,000 B.C. In every phase of history, dreams contained vital information concerning the dreamers or the world around them.

Our modern psychologists believe that dreams may help people process daily experiences, particularly those that are threatening. NCBI published the results of a study on the effects of the subconscious on dreaming.

The study concluded that a person’s level of frustration or satisfaction influenced dreams and the emotional interpretation of those dreams. Those who experienced recurring dreams had more psychological defeat daily. They concluded that dreams might help people process feelings and daily experiences. The messages dreams are sending may be interpreted negatively or positively depending on a person’s state of mind.

Ten Messages Psychologists Tell You Never to Ignore

recurring dreams

When specific dreams become more prevalent, it may be that your mind is pointing toward essential facts about your daily life. Your mind may be trying to solve a problem during sleep that you haven’t been able to resolve while you are awake.

Our dreams provide insight into our daily lives. Do not ignore these ten recurring dream themes.

1. Dreams about falling.

Psychologist Ian Wallace believes falling is a feeling of losing control over aspects of your life. You may be feeling like the responsibility is weighing heavily on you, and you have no escape. If you keep dreaming about falling, it may be time to destress.

2. Injuries, death, or losing teeth.

These themes may indicate a lack of self-esteem. Death can mean change is ahead, and you are leaving the past behind and moving forward to new things. Dream expert Patricia Garfield suggests teeth falling out may be linked to suppressed anger. When we grind our teeth or clench our jaw, this can cause us to lose teeth in a dream.

3. An embarrassing public performance or failing a test.

Many people dream bout failing an exam or embarrassing themselves in public. This type of dream indicates you are stressing out about something before you fall asleep. They man mean you can’t follow through with something meaningful. The bottom line is that you are most likely feeling anxious and worried during the day.

4. Wearing little or no clothing.

This dream is about feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Ian Wallace states that this theme may mean you are feeling vulnerable in a new relationship or at a new job. You may be fearful that people will learn about your weaknesses. If you dream about wearing pajamas to an important event, it may be a sign of insecurity about an upcoming event in your life.

5. Dreams about being chased.

Lauri Loewenberg, a dream expert, believes that recurring dreams about being chased are people’s way of trying to avoid conflict. What’s chasing you in real life may be debt, trying to work out a problem, or unfulfilled dreams that are chasing you because you haven’t worked toward achieving your goal.

6. Apocalyptic and natural disaster dreams.

If you suffer from these dreams, you are not alone. This imagery is a common theme and may mean you feel you have lost control over a personal problem. Perhaps you feel threatened about something in your life. These feelings can make you feel vulnerable when you are awake, so they should be addressed.

7. Crashing a car or technical difficulties.

Patricia Garfield explains that dreaming about your computer or phone breaking may mean you have a problem connecting emotionally to someone, or you may have relationship issues. You may be feeling unsupported in real life, and you may require some help working out your feelings.

8. Dreams about being pregnant.

Men and women can dream of being pregnant. David Bedrick, a dream psychologist, says that this may indicate that you are giving birth to new creations and ideas. If you are in the middle of an important project, and you have this dream, set goals, and work hard to bring your visions to reality.

9. Dreams about being late.

Michael Olsen, a dream expert, suggests that dreaming about being late may be an instant fear of missing out. If you are stressed out and feeling that you don’t have time for what’s essential in your life, this dream may be telling you it’s time to slow down. Set time out for the things and people in your life that you love.

10. Unfamiliar houses or rooms.

Psychotherapist, Eddie Traversa, tells us the rooms represented in our dreams represent internal conflict. These dreams may also represent internal changes. If you dream about a bathroom, you may need to declutter or clean up your emotions. Bedrooms can symbolize worries about romance.

11. Dreams About Your Partner Leaving You

Many people have experienced the scary dream about your partner leaving. Dreams are not usually literal but are a representation of thoughts and feelings. Fear of having a loved one walkout is not unusual and may represent itself in the course of our dreams.

If your partner leaving you is turning into a common theme in your dreams, you may be insecure about your relationship. There may be problems with your relationship that you need to address. Talking about those fears with your partner is a healthy way to resolve your issues.

When these types of dreams continue to be a concern and cause nightmares, this may lead to insomnia. It may be time to seek help to ensure that your mental and physical health is not being negatively affected.

dream meanings

You will find these fifty dream meanings intriguing.

Can Dreams Impact Your Health?

Dream research indicates that dreams may reveal signs about health. While some people believe dreams are just random thoughts swirling about in our sleep, research shows that dreams may be an indicator of physical and mental health.

Some of the research has indicated that recurring dreams may be important indicators of your health.

Dreams may be indications that you have heart disease or sleep apnea and are being generated as a nightmare as a warning sign.

  • If you wake up from recurring dreams in the early morning, this may arise from a mood disorder like anxiety or depression, which is preventing you from a healthy REM cycle during the night.
  • Vivid and bizarre dreams don’t mean anything is wrong, but they may indicate a problem with alcohol, medications, or Parkinson’s disease.
  • Consistently having bad dreams may be an issue of poor diet or a vitamin deficiency or maybe a sensory trigger from movies, music, or events you witnessed during the day.

Dreams are essential for several reasons. They mean you are sleeping deeply and experiencing REM. This level of sleep is necessary for our bodies and brains to function well. Dreams also bring to life the emotions that we feel during the day but often don’t address. They bring those emotions to light in a new way and often help heal emotional wounds.

Dreams are essentially stripping the emotion out of negative experiences by creating a new memory. This experience is healthy for us because it helps process our feelings. If we can’t handle emotions, we will be more prone to anxiety and worry. Dreams are good for our mental health.

For those who have experienced emotional trauma, or PTSD, dreams can be therapeutic. The University of California conducted a sleep study that concluded people who have experienced psychological trauma have stress hormones released. The brain can work through that event during dreams and divorce the mind from the associated emotions.

 

recurring dreamsFinal Thoughts on Using Recurring Dreams for Positive Change

Powerofpositivity.com explains how you can use dreams to make positive changes. Consider using your dreams to make reasonable changes in your life. Your dreams may be giving you clues to subconscious problems you are not addressing. They may be giving you advice about insecurities you are not able to face when you are awake.

Don’t ignore or discarding recurring dreams. Try writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up, when they are fresh in your mind. If you don’t write them down, they will be as elusive as ascending smoke from a fire. And so, they will disappear into thin air.

Look up the themes of your dreams, especially if you have recurring dreams. If you have concerns, you can talk to a dream therapist who can help you find answers to the clues your mind is telling you when you are asleep. Dreams can be the answers to mental and physical issues if you learn to interpret and understand what they are trying to say to you.

10 Natural Treatments That Work Better Than Medicine for Allergies

People who experience the unpleasant and sometimes debilitating health impacts of allergies might benefit from experimenting with proven natural remedies. These natural treatments, which have clinical backing for their effectiveness, may represent viable alternatives to conventional medicine for allergies.

Many allergy sufferers can attest to the uncomfortable side effects of many types of medicine for allergies. In some cases, the side effects of patients’ medicine for allergies are worse than the allergies themselves!

Although pollen allergies are the most common, allergies come in many forms, with various causes for each.

In this science-backed article, we’ll focus on the ten best natural treatments for allergies. You can try these out at home and see for yourself. These natural substances positively influence the immune and neuroendocrine systems. In turn, they produce tangible benefits in terms of relief from allergies.

Once you discover the right combination that works for you, then it may be possible to wean yourself off of your medicine for allergies. As always, seek consultation from a medical professional before making changes to your allergy-fighting regimen.

10 Natural Treatments That Work Better Than Medicine for Allergies

1. Acupuncture

For many people who battle allergies, acupuncture is an essential tool to fight their symptoms.

Acupuncture was once relegated to the sidelines as quackery and “pseudoscience.” Now, many widely in the West accept this method as a proven treatment strategy for many conditions–including allergies.

Among people who deal with seasonal pollen allergies, acupuncture is particularly popular. In one study of seasonal allergy sufferers given acupuncture, the subjects showed significant improvements in symptoms.

Best of all, acupuncture clinics have popped up everywhere in recent years. If you live in a large or even mid-sized city, you likely have access to affordable acupuncture therapy.

medicine for allergies

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Anecdotal accounts of allergy sufferers finding healing in the form of apple cider vinegar are ubiquitous on the web. Of course, countless people who benefit from ACV for their allergies swear by this natural remedy

The scientific evidence backing up its effectiveness, though, has not caught up with ACV’s popularity. Preliminary research is promising, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm ACV’s allergy-busting abilities.

What we do know, however, is that ACV positively modulates the immune system. This discovery offers a theoretical explanation of how ACV can suppress the effects of allergens.

3. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors’ work is often the subject of intense scrutiny. The jury is still out on the extent to which chiropractic care deserves a place at the medical table.

Nonetheless, the results show that chiropractors can provide either real or perceived benefits to allergy sufferers.

Consider giving chiropractic care a shot if you’re looking to ditch your medicine for allergies. Chiropractic is safe and affordable, so even if it doesn’t work for you, you won’t have lost anything significant.

4. Probiotics

For several reasons, in addition to its role as an alternative to medicine for allergies, probiotics are important. Consider adding easily-sourced probiotics to your everyday routine to see results.

The American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy looked for a link between probiotics and decreased allergic reactions. Their study found that the probiotics did not make a measurable impact on allergies. Their conclusion?

“The current evidence is not sufficiently strong to verify a preventive role of probiotics in AR, but probiotics may improve the overall quality of life and nasal symptom scores.”

Beneficial probiotics are found in yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut. You might find them worth a try!

5. Elimination Diets for Food Allergies

Doctors consider elimination diets the “gold standard” for eliminating common food allergies

The essential idea behind an elimination diet is to cut out the vast majority of everyday foods that you eat. You want to whittle your culinary choices down to a few staple foods. The foods you consume during this period should be least likely to provoke an allergic response.

After two-three weeks of strict adherence, you can begin to add new foods one by one. With each new food added to your diet, you must wait three days to check for any adverse reactions.

Once you know through observation that a food item is not contributing to your allergies, give it a go green check. You can check it off the list and move onto the next one. Repeat the 3-day observation process with each food.

In the end, you will have a much clearer understanding of which foods in your diet function as allergens. Eliminate them from your diet.

After you’ve taken out the offenders, you can move on to include allergy-fighting compounds like quercetin in your diet.

Fruits and vegetables

Know what foods might worsen your allergies.

6. Quercetin

Quercetin is arguably the top all-natural medicine for allergies that we can source through our diets. It is a plant compound belonging to a category called “flavanols.” You may have heard of flavanols in popular media due to their numerous health benefits.

The available evidence shows that quercetin acts as both an anti-allergen as well as an antihistamine.

“Antihistamine” is a term used to refer to medicine for allergies, natural or synthetic.

Quercetin is sourced from onions, garlic, apples, berries, various teas, and red wine. It is one of the antioxidant compounds exulted in red wine.

Studies on mice have shed light on the elixir properties of quercetin. In one such study, the compound was shown to reduce airway inflammation, making it a great remedy for respiratory allergies.

7. Bromelain

Originally sourced from the juices of pineapples, bromelain is now also produced as a stand-alone supplement. This enzyme is increasingly popular for natural treating many conditions, including allergens.

Studies on animals show that bromelain has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, bromelain substantially reduces inflammation in the sinuses.

You can work more bromelain into your daily diet by adding regular consumption of pineapples. Again, bromelain is also a prominent ingredient in many supplements.

Some people who use bromelain to treat their allergies experience stomach upset and elevated heart rate. Some women report changes to their menstrual cycles. Exercise caution when adding bromelain to your allergy-fighting arsenal.

8. Essential Oils

In addition to smelling great, essential oils also afford impressive allergy-suppressing benefits. Medical practitioners around the world have enlisted the aid of essential oils for thousands of years. Of course, their applications range widely.

The most effective essential oils for treating allergies include peppermint, eucalyptus, frankincense, and lavender oils.

Many people utilize essential oils in baths by mixing the distilled plant oils into their bathwater.

9. CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the dozens of health-promoting compounds found in the cannabis plant.

CBD offers an array of benefits, including its role in mitigating the symptoms of common allergies. CBD oil generally contains negligible amounts of THC, the compound responsible for the “high” of marijuana. It is, therefore, safe for children and others who hope to avoid cannabis’ psychoactive effects.

CBD is legal in all fifty states. You can order high-quality CBD supplements verified by third-party lab tests online.

A good starting dosage for most people is around 40 mg. Most people tolerate CBD well, even in high dosages. You will find minimal risks of side effects from CBD supplementation.

10. Vitamin D

Many call vitamin D the “sunshine vitamin” because it primarily absorbs via sun exposure. It is closely involved in several crucial processes.

The beauty of Vitamin D is that it is free when you soak it in from the sun. The scientific consensus is that 70% or more of the American population is deficient in this crucial vitamin.

More and more research accumulates daily linking Vitamin D to good immune system function. Fighting allergies weakens your immune system, so bolstering it might help you stay feeling well as you fight off those seasonal allergies.

What puts you at risk for Vitamin D deficiency? Living in a colder climate with limited sun exposure and shorter days in the winter. Also, people with darker skin pigments such as African descendants, Native Americans, and South Asians are also at higher risk. Finally, vegetarians, and vegans, have higher rates of Vitamin D deficiencies.

For people with diagnosed deficiencies and those in at-risk groups, Vitamin D supplementation is an option. Most pharmacies and natural health stores sell potent Vitamin D supplements at affordable prices.

You can also boost your levels by adding Vitamin D-rich foods to your diet. Examples of rich dietary sources of Vitamin D include fish, dairy, and eggs.

However, getting outside as often as possible is the most effective way to maximize your Vitamin D intake.

medicine for allergiesFinal Thoughts on Trying These Natural Remedies for Allergies

If you’ve been thinking about ditching your side effect-ridden medicine for allergies, you’re not alone.

Millions of allergy sufferers find relief each year in the form of the natural treatments described in this article. Additionally, science continually teaches us more about what triggers allergies and how to reverse them naturally.

Always consult with a medical professional before beginning drastic changes to your allergy protocols. Of course, you might need to experiment with several different combinations of natural treatments to find which one works best for you.

There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach to natural allergy treatment. But with the rich approach and patience, finding relief naturally is possible.

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