Page 818

10 Ways to Keep The Romance Alive During Stressful Times

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Keeping the romance alive doesn’t always come easy during stressful times. The current situation in the world feels uncertain, but perhaps we can look at it as a gift from the universe. We have more time to spend with our families, a break from work (depending on your situation), and time to reflect on our lives. With all this extra time on our hands, we can give more time and energy to the people in our lives who matter to us.

Of course, not everyone gets to have time off work, and we understand that everyone’s situation looks different. However, no matter what you’ve been through during this challenging time, you can always keep the romance alive in your relationship. You don’t always have to fly off to an exciting destination or plan an expensive date to rekindle the flames in your relationship.

Most people just want to know that you love and care about them, and even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. Below, we’ll go over how you can keep the spark lit in your relationship during difficult times.

Here are ten ways to keep the romance alive during stressful times:

Show your love in little ways.

Studies prove that small gestures in relationships mean more than even verbal expressions of love. Researchers found that people showing compassion topped the list of what made people feel the most loved. So, if you want to keep the romance alive during these stressful times, try these things out:

send them a loving text saying you miss them while they’re away at work
make them breakfast in bed on the weekend (pancakes are always a winner!)
do chores for them after they’ve had a hard day at work
make their coffee before they wake up in the morning
hear them out after a long day, and put away all distractions

You can make these gestures at any time, but they mean so much more when stress creeps up in life. Showing love helps to lower stress levels, which will help you both ride the waves of life more smoothly.

Ask your partner if they need anything from you.

Sometimes, the best way to keep the romance alive during stressful times comes down to asking questions. People just want to feel heard and understood, and they may not always tell you upfront how they think. Be willing to dive deep and ask your lover the problematic questions. Open the conversation up so they feel comfortable sharing any concerns and worries they may have.

You may feel like you know your partner inside out, but you can always learn something new about them. Simply asking if you can do anything for them during this challenging time can make them feel extra loved and cared for, especially if they’ve recently lost a job or had other difficulties.

Your partner will especially appreciate that you’re willing to go the extra mile for them and help carry some of their burdens. You can ask some of the following questions to open up the dialogue:

Do you need any extra help with anything during all this?
I know this is a stressful time for everyone, but I want you to know I’m always here for you.
Is there anything you want to get off your chest?

Also, make sure you share your feelings with your partner as well. You should practice open communication at all times with your partner, but especially now as the whole world deals with this unprecedented event.

Keep the romance alive by connecting physically.

When life gets stressful, connecting physically doesn’t always cross people’s minds. After a long day of work, sometimes you just want to lay in bed and have alone time to recharge. However, physical intimacy will help keep the romance alive in your relationship as well as lower stress levels. You don’t always have to have sex to foster a physical connection, either.

Here are some other ways to connect physically:

Kiss
Cuddle on the couch
Hold hands while doing errands/taking a walk.
Give each other a massage.
Take a trip down memory lane together.

Thinking about the happy memories you’ve shared can help strengthen intimacy and connection in your relationship. During stressful times, it helps to disconnect from the situation for a bit and pull out some old photo albums or laugh about the good times.

By reminiscing on the good times, you’ll remember that nothing bad lasts forever and that better days lie ahead of you.

Plan a date night (this can be inside the house as well).

Since many of us have extra time together, why not plan a fun date with your partner? You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or have a wild night on the town, either. Even though you already eat dinners together most nights, make sure you spend time connecting and helping each other relieve stress by talking things out.

You can always make it fun by bringing out a white tablecloth and creating a romantic setting with candles and roses. You could also do it old school and pretend you’re kids again – make a blanket fort, bring out some fun snacks like popcorn and candy, and cuddle together while you watch your favorite show.

Get creative! When it comes to date ideas to keep your romance alive even during stressful times, the possibilities are endless.

Make dinner together.

Nothing feels more romantic than creating something together, especially when you can eat your creation! Pull out some recipe books or look up ideas online, buy the ingredients, and have a fun night making the perfect dish together. No matter what kind of cuisine you prefer, you can find endless ideas on recipe blogs, foodie Instagram accounts, or YouTube channels.

This makes the perfect time for everyone to enjoy meals more at home together, just like the good old days. Plus, you’ll probably save money and calories by cooking at home, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

Have a board game night.

Everyone loves board games, and figuring out puzzles or solving silly riddles helps relieve stress as well. If you want to keep the romance alive, try pulling out those dusty games from your closet and get lost in a fun night of laughter with your partner. Whether you enjoy card games, physical games like Twister, or classic children’s board games like Chutes n’ Ladders, make it fun by offering a prize for the winner.

Go camping together.

You can choose your backyard or your living room, but either way, make sure to get all the essentials. Make smores over a fire or your stove, tell scary stories, cuddle up in the tent with Netflix, and if you’re outside, you can stargaze together. Keeping the romance alive doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or involve anything complicated; just make it fun and enjoy your time together. Camping makes an excellent opportunity to connect with your loved one, and being cozy in the tent together will make it feel like all the problems in the world just melt away.

Plan a vacation.

Just thinking about sipping cold drinks on a beautiful exotic beach will lift your spirits and make your problems seem a million miles away. Why not use the downtime to plan your next fun trip together? You don’t have to plan something extravagant; it can even be a camping trip an hour away or a stay at bed and breakfast in a town near you.

While you’re stuck inside, use your imagination to propel you to better days and create fun memories with your beau in the future. Sometimes, planning the trip is even more exciting than going on it, so throw all your ideas out there and choose something you will both enjoy!

Create a private spa in your home.

You don’t need all the expensive equipment they have at spas; you can just use what you have at home. Give each other massages with a massage oil of your choice (rose or lavender works well), take a warm bubble bath together, and pull out the champagne or wine for full relaxation.

Massages help lower stress, so this makes a perfect way to keep the romance alive and induce feelings of relaxation.

Final thoughts on keeping the romance alive during stressful times.

It doesn’t take a lot of money or resources to create beautiful memories with your partner. You can have a fun time even while being stuck inside: have a home movie night, go camping inside, play board games, or make dinner together. You can also plan a future vacation, have a spa night, or just cuddle up on the couch.

Make sure you connect with your partner emotionally during this time as well, because talking out the problems in your lives will make them a lot easier to deal with. We hope these tips help you keep the feelings of romance alive!

10 Red Flags That Someone Feels Entitled

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If someone feels entitled, they probably have a long history of acting like the universe revolves around them. Sadly, many people today possess this sense of entitlement, and we really can’t blame them for it.

We grow up believing that the world owes us something in large part because of today’s parenting and teaching styles. Everyone gets a participation trophy, teachers pass students even if they failed, and in general, no one thinks they should go through any suffering or hardship to earn anything.

So, it makes sense why we have a world full of entitled people. Studies indicate a rise in narcissism in western cultures, likely due to an increased emphasis on individualism and social media use. This correlates strongly with a sense of entitlement because narcissists believe that the world revolves around them, and they deserve everything under the sun.

Parents and teachers foster this mindset as well when they make children believe they should always win or always get the latest toy. While children need love and support, they also need to know that others matter and that people don’t have to cater to their needs all the time.

So, with that said, let’s get into the signs that someone feels entitled, and how to encourage people to develop a sense of empathy.

“Entitlement is a delusion built on self-centeredness and laziness.” – Unknown

Here are ten red flags someone feels entitled:

They only care about their own needs/wants.

Those who feel entitled will always put their desires first. They don’t care what it takes to have their needs fulfilled. Indeed, hey will not stop until they have been satisfied, and that gratification will quickly wear off. Furthermore, they can’t seem to stop the vicious cycle of getting what they want, feeling empty, and needing even more than before to keep them satisfied.

They won’t show much concern for what others need or want, and will not have a problem stepping on other people’s toes to actualize their desires. A red flag of a sense of entitlement involves a supreme sense of superiority and belief that the person should get their way 100% of the time.

They continuously seek attention.

People who feel entitled will likely spend a large portion of their time seeking attention and compliments from others. Whether they spend most of their time on social media or showing off their latest accomplishments to friends or family, they can’t seem to get enough attention. Social media fuels their addiction to social acceptance because no one can stop them from posting selfies or making videos, and they can garner the attention of potentially millions.

If someone in your life shows these signs, they probably feel pretty entitled.

People who feel entitled love to throw pity parties.

If they don’t get their way, a person who feels entitled will let you know it. They will complain for hours on end about how someone cut them off in traffic or how their latest business deal didn’t work out. They don’t ever look for solutions. Instead, they like to fixate on their problems. It gives them quite a shock when the world doesn’t cater to their every need or when something doesn’t go according to plan, so they have no coping skills to deal with it.

They will cry, scream, and pick fights until they’ve gotten enough of throwing a temper tantrum, and usually, an empathetic person will come to their aid. Sadly, empaths and highly sensitive people tend to attract narcissists like a moth to a flame due to their giving, caring nature.

They believe they always deserve happiness and often hurt others to get it.

Those with a strong sense of entitlement will knock others down just to make themselves feel better. They don’t care if people get hurt as long as they achieve their end goal. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self and somehow think that their happiness matters more than that of other people. They will stop at nothing to make sure their wants get fulfilled.

If someone feels entitled, they will belittle others and gaslight them if they don’t get what they want.

Another red flag that someone feels entitled is that they will make others feel crazy for not catering to their needs. They may make others feel guilty for not doing exactly what they asked, and the person will likely fall for it (especially if it’s a significant other). Watch out for this type of behavior, as this can become dangerous and mentally harmful over time.

They cut others off to ensure their success.

They want the big prize and can’t stand to let anyone else have it. The person who feels entitled won’t allow others to become successful if it cuts into their profits or fame. They may sabotage any attempts for others to reach the top so that they can claim that spot for themselves. They want to win all the time and will act like a sore loser if they don’t achieve success.

Entitled people take more than they give.

A classic sign of entitlement involves taking more than giving for the person who thinks the world revolves around them. They don’t care what others need but will have a long list of needs themselves. If others give them the cold shoulder, they will throw a big pity party and, like others have done them wrong. They have a huge double standard about how others should treat them even though they don’t follow the golden rule themselves.

They don’t know how to negotiate or compromise.

If their needs haven’t been met to a T, they will not be satisfied. A person who feels entitled will not feel complete if they can’t check every desire off their list. They don’t know how to meet in the middle; with them, it’s all or nothing.

People who feel entitled need lots of validation and flattery.

Another narcissist trait, the person who feels entitled, will need a lot of compliments and praise to get by. They feel empty and worthless if others don’t notice their success or accomplishments.

In general, they believe they are more important or better than others.

Finally, a red flag that someone feels entitled is that they will just feel superior to others. They’re the hottest thing on the block, obviously, and they expect everyone else to agree and acknowledge that.

How to overcome the urge to feel entitled

Now that we’ve gone over the red flags that someone feels entitled, we want to go over ways that someone can get over this entitlement complex. Now, we don’t want to give the impression that everyone should act perfectly. We know that almost everyone struggles with something, whether it’s low self-esteem, feeling entitled, or not feeling necessary. However, a sense of entitlement has the potential to hurt others as well as yourself.

So, if you or someone you know shows the “entitled trait,” here are some ways to combat it:

Develop self-awareness. If you find that you think about yourself and your needs the majority of the time, try to extend empathy to others as well. Simply getting in the habit of checking in with your thoughts can reverse this sense of entitlement.
Identify deeply rooted ideas about how you perceive your existence. In other words, do you feel that others should cater to you all the time? Do you think the world revolves around you? Often, this belief begins in childhood, so some inner child work can help undo this belief.
Accept life the way it is and don’t always think you need something else to feel satisfied.
Celebrate the successes of others, and feel gratitude for the relationships in your life. Remember that no one really knows what they’re doing here, and we’re all just trying to make it. Develop compassion for others, and try to see them as an extension of yourself.

Final thoughts on red flags that someone feels entitled

If someone feels entitled, you’ll most likely know it within a few minutes of meeting them. They will probably talk about themselves most of the time and not show much interest in your own needs or wants. They will also cut others off and do whatever it takes to get to the top. Entitled people may have a narcissistic personality disorder, or just have traits of a narcissist.

When dealing with these types, you need to remember to set boundaries and perhaps even cut off ties with them if needed. No one should ever make you feel guilty for not catering to their every need, and if they do, they have serious work to do on themselves. A sense of entitlement often begins in the early stages of life, but with inner work and perhaps the help of a therapist, they can develop empathy and compassion for others.

“Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it.” – Criss Jami

12 Life Lessons To Take Away From a Failed Relationship

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Not all relationships last forever, but you can learn many life lessons from a failed relationship. Sometimes, we have to meet certain people to learn important lessons; oftentimes, the wrong relationships lead us to the right person eventually.

While not everyone sticks around throughout all the chapters of our lives, we meet every person for a reason. If you’ve just gotten out of a relationship recently and feel heartbroken about it, we hope the following advice can help you move through it.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe

Here are 12 important life lessons to take away from a failed relationship:

Overthinking causes more pain in the end.

At the end of the relationship, you may feel tempted to ruminate about every situation and conversation in your head so you can try to figure out where it went wrong. Of course, this is natural to some extent – when something goes awry in life, we want to dissect it so we can learn from it. However, too much analysis and overthinking just leads to misery, as you can never go back and change what happened.

While you should try to learn from what happened, you shouldn’t dwell on the past. Feel your emotions, talk about them with friends and family, and then allow yourself to move on. You only hurt yourself more when you overthink what went wrong in a failed relationship.

Learn to become your own best friend.

Sometimes in relationships, we forget to love ourselves as much as we love our partner. Then, when they leave, all of our self-worth and happiness goes right out the window. If you don’t cultivate self-love, you will depend on someone outside yourself to give it to you. However, relying on someone else to accept you means that you will never feel totally fulfilled.

If you don’t feel complete within yourself, you’ll need constant validation from your partner or others. At the end of a relationship, ask yourself how much you depended on your partner for self-esteem and validation. If you feel empty without them, this makes the perfect opportunity to go deep within yourself and heal any wounds from the past. Once you become your own best friend, you’ll have even more love to give in your next relationship, and you’ll feel more whole as well.

A failed relationship can teach us forgiveness.

If you felt undervalued or unloved in your last relationship, you might feel like getting revenge on your ex or blaming them for everything that went wrong. However, harboring resentment will only result in adding more stress to your life. Bottling up feelings can actually cause physical health problems as well. A 2013 study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Rochester found that people who bottled up feelings had a 30% higher risk of all-cause mortality and a 70% higher chance of a cancer diagnosis.

So, instead of wishing harm on your ex or trying to blame them for the failed relationship, try to forgive them instead. You’ll find that you feel much lighter by accepting what happened and choosing to forgive their mistakes. Remember also to not beat yourself up for the relationship ending and extend that forgiveness to yourself as well.

Healing takes time.

You’ll go through many different emotions after a breakup. People usually experience the following emotions, in any given order:

anger
shock
sadness/depression
emptiness
loneliness
relief
acceptance
excitement

You might go through several cycles of these emotions before things start to feel normal again. Just remember to give yourself time and space to heal from the relationship. Some days you’ll feel like you’ve moved on, and others will feel like you’ve had your heart ripped from your chest. Just know that healing doesn’t happen overnight and that your feelings are totally justified.

As much as it might tempt you, don’t run back to your ex.

After breaking things off with your significant other, you will probably get rid of all the reminders of your relationship, such as old photos or keepsakes. However, the memories will linger and will tempt you into getting back with them on those lonely nights. If the relationship didn’t work out, getting back with them will only create more of the same problems you encountered before. In other words, leave the past behind you, and remember that you ended things for a reason. Wish your ex well, and feel grateful for the time you got to spend with them.

Cherish the good memories and what you learned from the relationship.

While you might dwell on the person’s negative attributes and why you feel so much better without them, this will only lead to feelings of resentment. Try to think of the good times you shared with your ex as well. Just because someone no longer holds a place in our lives doesn’t mean we have to paint them in a negative light.

If you focus on the bad qualities of someone, this only lowers your frequency. However, if you can speak about your ex in a mature, respectful way, this shows you’ve moved on and have an appreciation for what you learned from your time with them.

Don’t try to numb the pain.

At the end of a failed relationship, many people drown themselves in drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy habits to cope with the pain. Or, they might just keep extremely busy, so they have no time to deal with their feelings. These harmful coping mechanisms won’t work long-term, because you’ll have to face your feelings eventually. You need to give yourself time to go through the emotions instead of creating constant distractions for your feelings.

You can move on from a relationship while also allowing yourself space to process the breakup.

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about yourself.

In a relationship, many people feel that they lose themselves since they spend so much of their time with their partner. Hobbies and even personalities can blend together until you don’t know where you end, and your partner begins.

Healthy relationships have clear boundaries, but some relationship partners experience enmeshment and codependence. In that case, the healing process will take longer as you’ll feel you need to find yourself again.

No matter if the relationship ended on good or bad terms, you could use your newfound freedom to your advantage. Figure out what you enjoy and what makes you happy, without having to depend on anyone else for it. Create your own joy in life and keep busy with hobbies that interest you.

Choosing a positive outlook will help you in your recovery.

In a study of emotional distress after a breakup, researchers studied participants’ positive or negative emotions about the failed relationship. They asked participants about how often they thought about the relationship, depression, loss of self-concept, rediscovery of self-concept, negative emotional adjustment, and positive emotional adjustments.

Researchers found that participants had greater recovery if they felt positive emotions about the breakup, for example, being happy, satisfied, or relieved. The optimistic thinkers didn’t dwell on the relationship as much, had less anxiety about being single, and had fewer regrets.

Take the positives from the relationship and apply it to your next one.

What went right in your last relationship? What qualities did you learn about yourself that could help your future partner feel more loved, whole, or accepted? Make sure you take time to think about what qualities you brought into your previous relationship that made it more harmonious. Just because it didn’t work out doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the positives.

A failed relationship can teach you where you still need to work on yourself.

Expanding on the last point, think about what you could improve about yourself in the next relationship. Did you nag too much, set your expectations too high, or hold grudges? Give the silent treatment too often instead of communicating? Think about how you can work on yourself to become better, not only for yourself but for your future partner as well.

Life doesn’t always turn out how we plan it.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons to take away from a failed relationship is that life just doesn’t always turn out how we expect it to. The solution? Don’t have any expectations at all. Just enjoy the ride and learn from every person you come in contact with; they all have something to teach you or learn from you.

Final thoughts about lessons to learn from a failed relationship

Not everyone can stay in our lives forever, but not everyone is meant to. Some people come and go, but they all have lessons to teach us. You can learn important things from a failed relationship, such as forgiveness, how to become your own best friend, and how to just ride the waves of life.

If you’ve recently gotten out of a relationship, we hope these life lessons can help shift your perspective and remind you that just because a relationship failed does not mean you did. You learned and grew from it, and that’s a beautiful thing!

How Lymph Drainage Can Fix Bloating (and how to do it)

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever had a cold or sinus issue that made your nose drip? There’s nothing worse than postnasal drainage. Do you ever stop and think of what is causing this malfunction and the annoyance that comes along with it?

Your immune system is fighting hard to eliminate foreign invaders, and your dripping nose is just a reaction to your lymphatic system, which is a part of your immunity. Recently, there has been a growing interest in lymph tissue massage. These massages can be done on the head, ears, trunk, and abdomen.

The 411 on Lymph Fluid

If you want to see if your swelling problems are from a lymph issue, you must first understand this fluid. The lymph is clear, and it’s full of white blood cells. The body uses this liquid to help you detox. The fluid originates from the critical parts of your system, which lie under the primary layers of skin.

Where in the Body Does Lymphatic Fluid Originate?

Lymph is a byproduct of your blood vessels, lymph nodes, and valves. As the fluid travels through your body, it picks up impurities like bacteria and viruses, which the immune system filters. Without this vital fluid, you would be extremely sick or even perish.

There are times when the lymphatic fluid cannot be drained from the body because of a malfunction in the immune system. Things that can cause this problem include radiation therapy, an infection, or surgery. You will notice the area of concern because it will swell, which causes a condition known as edema or lymphedema.

One of the most common places for this fluid to build is the legs. If you ride in a car for a long time, you will experience swelling in your feet, ankles, and calves. The swelling and dullness are constrictions caused by the overabundance of fluid, which can be excruciating.

Did you know you can drain your lymphatic system without medical or surgical intervention? Thankfully, lymph drainage can be done through massage and other gentle manipulations.

The Overabundance of Lymph Fluid

The main goal of lymph drainage is to allow the cells to function correctly. Unlike the other systems within your body, this one is independent. It has a reduced functioning capacity because it’s not connected to your digestive system or blood.

Have you ever seen a person with a large belly who looked pregnant but wasn’t pregnant? A tumor, cyst, or lymphatic system issues can cause it. People with too much lymph in their bodies can appear overweight, but it might be all fluid. Some doctors dub this obesity “fake fat,” as it goes away when it finally drains.

4 Ways to Promote Lymph Drainage Naturally

Remember, this system is independent, so it doesn’t have help from the blood and other organs to move around your body. Sometimes, it gets stuck and needs your assistance to reach the proper location. If the lymph fluid doesn’t reach the nodes, it cannot trigger the immune system to respond.

Thus, it sits in a specific location and can cause serious problems. However, you can fix your lymph drainage issues quickly. Here are the steps to fix this dreadful issue:

1. Move Your Body

Moving your body is the best way to get your fluid collection to start progressing. When you start walking, the fluid has no choice but to move about. Though walking helps, activities that cause the body to move quickly and rapidly can have more of an effect.

As you exercise, your muscles start contracting to meet the demands and pressure you are putting on your system. Additionally, the vessels within your lymphatic structure start working overtime to meet the demands due to the strain of the workout.

Would you be shocked to hear that jumping jacks are the best way to get drainage to occur? Jump on the trampoline with your kids or jump rope. It will be a great workout and will make your swelling go away.

Why do you think so many doctors say that you need to stop and get out and walk when you’re on a long car trip? Moving around is going to get the fluid where it needs to be. Since edema is so common when you sit for long periods, getting up and doing some physical activity reverses the fluid buildup.

2. Give Yourself a Massage

If you have someone who can massage you in the area of trouble, that’s great. However, you can do it yourself if you can easily reach the problem zone. If you have dreaded swelling and “fake fat” that is often talked about, then you can help lymph drainage to occur by doing a massage daily.

When you start pressing and rotating the skin, it helps to remove old skin cells that clog your sweat glands. Did you ever wonder why some people sweat and others don’t? It can be because their sweat glands are clogged or blocked completely.

Your sweat helps to remove waste from the body, and a massage can help to remove those cells to get things flowing again. When massaging the area, you must rub in the direction of your heart. The significance of this maneuver is that it helps the lymph fluid to move quicker, which can help the detox process.

Do you have inflammation in your joints that is painful and causes a loss of motion? A lymph buildup often causes it, and you can take care of it without medical intervention.

Learn how to avoid water retention.

3. Use a Detoxification Tea

Manjusha powder is known as the blood’s cleanser because of its detoxification properties. Do you like to drink tea? Did you know that mixing half of a teaspoon of Manjusha powder into a cup of tea it can keep lymph moving freely?

You won’t even need to worry about lymph buildup when you take a detoxification tea that keeps these problems at bay.

4. Use Herbal Supplements

Many herbs are incredibly beneficial in detoxifying the body. One that is gaining in popularity is guggul. It’s still rare in the United States, but this Indian herb comes from the bdellium tree in the native land.

Locals have stated for centuries that this herb can do great for people who have fatty liver, cirrhosis, or other problems with this vital organ. The fact that it can break down fatty deposits, too, is beneficial.

When to Avoid Lymph Drainage Activities?

While lymph drainage is a good idea in most situations, there are a few times when it’s best to avoid such activities. Here are five instances when it’s best not to use massages, teas, or exercise to drain your excess lymph.

1. Active Internal Bleeding

If you are having any internal or external issues, that is causing you to bleed. You shouldn’t do any activities until the bleeding stops.

2. Cancer or Undiagnosed Tumors

If you have cancer anywhere in your body, you don’t want to spread any fluids. Additionally, if you have a tumor or cyst that a doctor hasn’t diagnosed, don’t do any of these activities until you have a formative diagnosis.

3. You Have A Fever with Inflammatory Disease

If you have an inflammatory disease, like Rheumatoid arthritis, and you have a fever, avoid any lymph drainage activities. Wait till the fever breaks, and then you can proceed with holistic treatments for lymph.

4. Circulation Problems

If you have circulation problems, your lymph fluid can cause your heart to work harder. You should avoid a massage or other drainage activities when there are issues like thrombosis or a compromised cardiac system.

5. Pregnancy

Lastly, if you are pregnant, then it could be dangerous to do any lymph drainage activities. You don’t want to do anything that will cause harm to your baby.

Final Thoughts on Performing Lymph Drainage at Home

Occasional bloating or swelling issues are considered normal, especially when you’ve been sitting for long periods. However, lymph drainage problems need to be addressed as they can be painful and cause difficulty in walking.

Some people are at a greater risk of developing swelling from lymph fluid. People who are obese seem to be more likely to develop lymphedema than those who are at a healthy weight level. Though obesity is one concern, there are all sorts of conditions that can block the fluids and cause it not properly to circulate through the body.

While the medical community may want to do surgery or drain an area, there are ways that you can holistically take care of the problem without going under the knife. Plus, you can be proactive if you have problems with swelling and edema. By drinking teas and making sure you get enough exercise, you can ward off any problems with swelling before they begin.

5 Things Men Need In A Relationship (That They’ll Never Admit)

May 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In today’s culture, many carry the thought and assumption that the man in a relationship has to be this strong and perfect individual. Some believe that men must bear the world on their shoulders without showing any weakness. This macho mindset actually can do more harm than good, though.

That’s because gentlemen need certain things in a relationship. But, out of fear of being seen as less of a man or showing weakness, they will never admit they need.

Luckily, all you need is a little perception. And it helps to know a little about how men think to figure out all you need to know. Here are the five things that most men will never admit they need in a relationship. But let’s face it, they do.

5 Things Men Need (but won’t admit!)

1 – Strength, Support, and Presence

It’s typical for many men not to want to talk about their problems. Instead, they just tough it out and figure things out on their own. Men enjoy solving problems and like to fix things. They are always looking for a way to improve the situation.

The frustrations that can come along with that problem-solving nature can be intense, though. They grow increasingly worried when facing a problem that seems unfixable or a situation that they feel powerless against or entirely out of their control.

When men come up against difficult problems, your support and presence are vital. Just knowing they have someone in their corner or someone to talk to when they hit that wall and can’t break through means the world. Just don’t try to force your support on them.

Men can be very independent when it comes to problem-solving. Additionally, they can be almost stubborn. Men need your support and care, especially when under stress. When it comes to helping your partner with their problems, think of them like a cat. Let them come to you when they’re ready instead of smothering them in affection and support.

The important thing is to make yourself available and provide that rock for them to lean on when they need it. There are plenty of ways men can try to stay strong during even the toughest times. But sometimes what they need most can’t come from within but from others. Make sure you’re close by when they realize that and come to you for help with their troubles.

2 – Your Approval, and Ability to Let Go

While most men will probably never admit it, we think the world of you, and a big part of that is your opinion of us. Many men actually feel very insecure about their partner’s feelings about their actions and lifestyle, continually judging themselves and wondering if they’re measuring up. Many men need to see their partner happy, and it can be crushing, seeing their partner get upset, especially if it is over something they did.

When men do get it right, let them know it. Knowing we have your approval, even over the little things, can be a huge confidence boost. Let us know how proud you are. And tell your special someone that he made the right call. It can be effortless just to focus on the negatives. So definitely make an effort to point out both the good and the bad.

On the flip side, if we have screwed up, which we inevitably will, men want women who will treat us as equals. Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes sometimes. So don’t hold it against your partner when they do eventually slip up and make a mistake. It’s ok to get mad for a little while, but try not to hold a grudge.

Forgive them, move on, and give them another chance. Nothing hurts more than feeling like you’ll never live down that one mistake, or that you potentially ruined a relationship, so don’t put your partner in that kind of position by holding a grudge over the little things.

3 – Your Touch

Intimacy is an essential part of any relationship. But we’re not just talking about fun in the bedroom. While most of the time, guys get a bad reputation for just wanting physical contact and sex in a relationship, regular physical contact is a natural part of any relationship. Physical contact goes a long way to making men feel loved and appreciated in a relationship. They enjoy the little things like being held, holding hands, or just being a shoulder to lean on.

Men need some form of contact, and a relationship without any kind of physical affection can quickly feel cold and emotionless. A little bit of warmth goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to show a little bit of love here and there.

On the other hand, you don’t need to hang all over them wherever they go. Smothering your partner with love might be overdoing it, and just like anyone, men need their own space sometimes too. The sweet spot between too little and too much affection varies from person to person, so keep an open mind and be receptive to their body language and signals to make sure you’re not overdoing it.

If you do get the sense that your partner needs some space or just needs some alone time, let them do their own thing and let them recharge. It’s normal for guys to want to develop some interests that you don’t both share. This helps them recharge their batteries.

Read their signals, and if they seem to be avoiding you, then you might be overdoing things. Give them their space and give them the chance to miss you and come back when they’re ready. Otherwise, you’ll likely just end up driving them away.

4 – Your Loyalty and Trust

Men need your trust. It’s that simple. It’s important to note that not every guy is looking to sleep around behind your back or try to cheat on you. There are some guys out there who are just after a good time, but if you’ve been burned in the past, don’t project that assumption on to every guy you meet.

Males want you to trust them. It can be emotionally frustrating having to prove their loyalty continually. When push comes to shove, many guys might not find it worth the effort if you’re always putting them through the wringer over every person they’ve spoken to or why they’re friendly with the waitress at the restaurant you’re at.

Unless they give you a good reason not to trust them, cut your partner some slack and at least go into things with an open mind, rather than trying to be always on alert trying to catch them doing something.

On the other hand, trust is a two-way street. While men want your trust, they also want your loyalty. They want you to be the only one for them. They want that commitment. Show that commitment by supporting them when nobody else will, staying by them through thick and thin, and making sure they’re the only romantic love in your life.

5 – Your Friendship

Your friendship with your partner is the foundation for everything. You likely started as friends before dating, and if not, then a deep bond formed as you got to know each other better. Men want to know more about you and continue deepening that bod that started it all.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your day, share stories, discover new hobbies, and do activities together. At the end of the day, we just want to spend time with you and enjoy your company.

Take some time to plan outings or date nights, even long after you’ve settled down. It not only helps keep things fresh and exciting, but it also gives us the chance to keep learning more about you and keeps us comfortable and secure with who you are outside of the relationship. Yes, you may be someone’s partner, but you’re also still you, and there is plenty about that to fall in love with over and over again.

Final Thoughts on the Things Men Secretly Want in a Relationship

Between the tough-guy culture that’s conditioned men to keep everything bottled up and carry the world on their shoulders, and many misconceptions about men being misogynists, pigs, and cheaters that kill many chances at relationships before they even get off the ground, it’s understandable that many times women don’t know what men really want.

Media and our culture have skewed the rational expectations of what men should be so much. So you’ll have to put all of those assumptions aside if you ever want a relationship to really work.

Many of these needs are also very subjective, and everyone is different. While most men appreciate and do well with many of the items on this list, finding that perfect balance really comes down to proper communication between you and your partner.

Some guys are more of the loner type who prefer their space. Others are like puppies who absolutely love attention. Some guys are more open with their emotions, while others can hardly put their feelings into words. Remember, everyone is different, so try not to judge or base expectations on your current relationship off of your last one either. That’s not fair to your party, nor yourself.

10 Ways to Make Fingernails Healthier and Stronger at Home

May 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Properly caring for your fingernails is a simple thing you can do to improve your appearance. You don’t have to go to a nail shop to maintain healthy nails. Proper nail care at home can enhance the look of your nails and support cuticle health, too.

Nails are made of keratin, which is a fibrous protein. You can improve nail and hand health by eating healthier and keeping nails neat and clean.

This article will focus on practical things you can do at home to optimize cuticle health. You will also learn some tips for obtaining healthier hands.

Ten Ways for Healthier, Stronger Fingernails (from the comfort of home)

You can skip the time and money you spend at the salon by caring for your nails at home. Here are some tips.

1. Trim Nails Neatly for Healthy Hands

Neatly trimmed nails are attractive. They also show others that you care enough about your appearance to stay well-groomed.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s essential to keep nails trimmed for health reasons, too. Your fingernails can house germs, dirt, and bacteria.

If you wear your nails too long, you run the risk of spreading diseases from your nails to your mouth whenever you eat or touch your face or mouth. Long nails can also spread germs from one person to another.

2. Avoid Synthetic Nails

Gel manicures make nails look shiny and pretty. If you are choosing between acrylics or gel, gel manicure is long-lasting and doesn’t require much maintenance.

However, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, gel nails can cause long-term damage to your nails. Constant use of gel nails could raise your risk of skin cancer and cause your hands to age prematurely.

Other side effects of gel nails are as follows:

Nails become brittle
Nails may split or crack.
Peeling nails

Also, allow periods of rest for your nails in between gel manicures. You should also perform essential maintenance on your nails, especially when you’re getting gel manicures.

Here are a few tips if you still choose to wear gel nails from the salon:

Request that your manicurist sterilizes all equipment.
Do not allow your manicurist to cut or push your cuticles back aggressively. Light pushing of the tissue is okay, but if you feel pain or discomfort, ask your nail tech to stop. Damaged or cut cuticles makes you susceptible to infection.
Apply sunscreen to your hands before your manicure. SPF 30 or higher helps prevent premature aging, and it reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Do not peel off your gel polish. Instead, ask your nail technician to have the polish professionally removed.
While removing gel nail polish, soak just your fingertips in the acetone. Placing your whole hand or entire fingers in acetone can irritate the skin.
You could use cotton balls dipped in acetone to remove the polish. Press the cotton to the nail only, and then wrap each fingertip in aluminum foil. This wrap ensures that only the nailbed soaks in acetone. Wait about fifteen minutes, then peel off the foil.

What doe your fingernails reveal about your personality?

3. Take a Break from Nail Polish

The right nail color can brighten up any outfit or fit perfectly with a particular season of the year. However, wearing nail polish all of the time can weaken your nails and jeopardize your healthy hands.

When changing your nail color, you should choose an acetone-free polish remover. You should also go through periods of several weeks in which you don’t use nail polish. This break gives your nails time to heal and strengthen.

4. Don’t Abuse Your Nails

Some people make a habit of doing difficult tasks with their nails. They may use their fingernails to pry open bottles. Some people also use their fingernails to scrape food off of plates when washing dishes.

Doing these tasks with your nails can cause them to become weak and brittle. When nails are weak, they split and sometimes crack. Rather than using your nails to pry into something, either use your hands or use a tool designed for the task.

5. Don’t Neglect Your Cuticle Health

The tissue of your cuticles can become dry and flaky, just like the skin on other areas of your body. Dry skin is especially common in cold climates. Still, regardless of where you live, you should be mindful of your cuticles. Do the following:

Rub a regular skin moisturizer on your cuticles daily
Do not cut your cuticles off. Doing so can damage your nails or allow harmful bacteria to infect nails.
Use an acetone-free nail polish remover on your fingernails.

You should also wear gloves when doing household chores. For instance, exposing your nails and cuticles to water while washing dishes can dry out your hands. This habit makes your nails and cuticles more susceptible to breaking and flaking.

6. Eat a Diet Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

A diet rich in healthy fat, calcium, and protein can help support healthy nails. Lean proteins you to try include the following:

Turkey
Chicken
Salmon
Fish
Shrimp
Beans
Soy products
Plant-based proteins

To increase your calcium intake healthily, eat the following:

Greek yogurt
Milk
Cottage cheese

To get healthier fingernails, you could also try increasing your intake of healthy fats. Healthy sources of fat include almonds, canola oil, and olive oil.

7. Don’t Bite Your Nails

According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, there are several side effects of nail-biting. For instance, constant nail biting can damage nail tissue and cause nail soreness. Nail-biting also makes nails look unsightly and ragged.

When you put your fingers in your mouth, you can also transfer viruses and bacteria from your fingers into your mouth. This habit makes you more susceptible to illness.

8. Inspect Your Nails for Signs of Infection

Nail fungus is a common problem. It’s more common on toenails because fungus lives better in warm, dark places. However, some people get nail fungus on fingernails, too. To properly care for your nails, be aware of the signs of nail fungus:

Yellow or white spots underneath the nails.
Your nail(s) turn green, black, white, or yellow.
Nails become thicker, making them harder to cut or trim.
Nails curl upward or downward.
Nails crumble when you touch them.
Nails become brittle and break easily.

If you have nail fungus, over time, you may notice soreness in your nails. In severe cases, a person may wince when walking due to nail fungus pain. Some people are disgusted by the sight of fungus.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from germs when you go out.

There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting nail fungus. Consider the following guidelines:

Only have your nails done at state-certified nail shops. Always ask what the nail salon does to sterilize the equipment.
Change your socks daily, especially if you sweat a lot.
Do not cut or tear away cuticles. Doing so can let germs into your skin.
Do not share towels or nail equipment with anyone who has nail fungus. This practice may spread the infection.

If you do develop nail fungus, you can often treat it at home. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a fungal cream or lotion.

9. Keep Your Nails Clean

Whenever you wash your hands, you should also be sure to clean your nails. Scrub underneath the fingernails to remove dirt and grime. Dry your hands and nails carefully. Be aware that soaking your hands in water causes nails to become brittle.

10. Don’t Bite Your Nails

Nail-biting is considered a nasty habit for some people. It spreads germs to your mouth. Nail-biting also allows you to spread bacteria from your mouth to others when you touch them.

Aside from being an unpleasant habit, nail-biting comes across as a nervous habit. Some people will judge you as being anxious or dishonest based on fidgeting or biting the nails. Constant nail-biting may send the wrong message when you’re being watched closely, such as during a job interview.

Aside from making you appear nervous, nail-biting also makes your nails look ragged and ugly. You can damage your nail bed, too. Your fingertips might even become sore if you bite your nails too close to the skin.

While experts at the Mayo Clinic do not think nail biting can cause long-term nail damage, it can have short-term effects. For instance, it can damage the skin around the nail, which increases your risk of getting an infection. If your nails are hard and you bite heavily on them, you can also run the risk of damaging tooth enamel.

Final Thoughts on Maintaining Healthy Fingernails at Home

Healthy nails are considered attractive. If you want to make yours as beautiful as possible, keep them clean and neatly trimmed. Do not bite your nails. To prevent nails from chipping, do not use them to pry into items or scrape them across surfaces. Doing these basic maintenance tasks can help you maintain neat and healthy nails.

Show your love in little ways.

Ask your partner if they need anything from you.

Keep the romance alive by connecting physically.

Plan a date night (this can be inside the house as well).

Make dinner together.

Have a board game night.

Go camping together.

Plan a vacation.

Create a private spa in your home.

They only care about their own needs/wants.

They continuously seek attention.

People who feel entitled love to throw pity parties.

They believe they always deserve happiness and often hurt others to get it.

If someone feels entitled, they will belittle others and gaslight them if they don’t get what they want.

They cut others off to ensure their success.

Entitled people take more than they give.

They don’t know how to negotiate or compromise.

People who feel entitled need lots of validation and flattery.

In general, they believe they are more important or better than others.

Overthinking causes more pain in the end.

Learn to become your own best friend.

A failed relationship can teach us forgiveness.

Healing takes time.

As much as it might tempt you, don’t run back to your ex.

Cherish the good memories and what you learned from the relationship.

Don’t try to numb the pain.

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about yourself.

Choosing a positive outlook will help you in your recovery.

Take the positives from the relationship and apply it to your next one.

A failed relationship can teach you where you still need to work on yourself.

Life doesn’t always turn out how we plan it.

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

Here are ten ways to keep the romance alive during stressful times:

Show your love in little ways.

Ask your partner if they need anything from you.

Keep the romance alive by connecting physically.

Plan a date night (this can be inside the house as well).

Make dinner together.

Have a board game night.

Go camping together.

Plan a vacation.

Create a private spa in your home.

Final thoughts on keeping the romance alive during stressful times.

Here are ten red flags someone feels entitled:

They only care about their own needs/wants.

They continuously seek attention.

People who feel entitled love to throw pity parties.

They believe they always deserve happiness and often hurt others to get it.

If someone feels entitled, they will belittle others and gaslight them if they don’t get what they want.

They cut others off to ensure their success.

Entitled people take more than they give.

They don’t know how to negotiate or compromise.

People who feel entitled need lots of validation and flattery.

In general, they believe they are more important or better than others.

How to overcome the urge to feel entitled

So, if you or someone you know shows the “entitled trait,” here are some ways to combat it:

Final thoughts on red flags that someone feels entitled

Here are 12 important life lessons to take away from a failed relationship:

Overthinking causes more pain in the end.

Learn to become your own best friend.

A failed relationship can teach us forgiveness.

Healing takes time.

As much as it might tempt you, don’t run back to your ex.

Cherish the good memories and what you learned from the relationship.

Don’t try to numb the pain.

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about yourself.

Choosing a positive outlook will help you in your recovery.

Take the positives from the relationship and apply it to your next one.

A failed relationship can teach you where you still need to work on yourself.

Life doesn’t always turn out how we plan it.

Final thoughts about lessons to learn from a failed relationship

The 411 on Lymph Fluid

Where in the Body Does Lymphatic Fluid Originate?

The Overabundance of Lymph Fluid

4 Ways to Promote Lymph Drainage Naturally

1. Move Your Body

2. Give Yourself a Massage

3. Use a Detoxification Tea

4. Use Herbal Supplements

When to Avoid Lymph Drainage Activities?

1. Active Internal Bleeding

2. Cancer or Undiagnosed Tumors

3. You Have A Fever with Inflammatory Disease

4. Circulation Problems

5. Pregnancy

Final Thoughts on Performing Lymph Drainage at Home

5 Things Men Need (but won’t admit!)

1 – Strength, Support, and Presence

2 – Your Approval, and Ability to Let Go

3 – Your Touch

4 – Your Loyalty and Trust

5 – Your Friendship

Final Thoughts on the Things Men Secretly Want in a Relationship

Ten Ways for Healthier, Stronger Fingernails (from the comfort of home)

1. Trim Nails Neatly for Healthy Hands

2. Avoid Synthetic Nails

Other side effects of gel nails are as follows:

Here are a few tips if you still choose to wear gel nails from the salon:

3. Take a Break from Nail Polish

4. Don’t Abuse Your Nails

5. Don’t Neglect Your Cuticle Health

6. Eat a Diet Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

7. Don’t Bite Your Nails

8. Inspect Your Nails for Signs of Infection

9. Keep Your Nails Clean

10. Don’t Bite Your Nails

Final Thoughts on Maintaining Healthy Fingernails at Home

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Rise and Shine On! Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist

Stay Connected With

Us

Rise and Shine On!
Master Your Day with the Ultimate Positive Morning Guide + Checklist