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Kind Military Vet’s Passion For Physical Fitness Helps People On Weight Loss Journey

April 17, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Weight loss and physical fitness are two of the top New Years’ resolutions people make every year. Losing weight isn’t easy for a multitude of reasons. Furthermore, the more overweight you are, the more challenging it is to reach your goals.

Getting a coach or personal trainer is one great way to help you. Not only can a personal trainer help to make sure you are doing exercises properly, but an effective trainer can also keep you motivated through their passion and caring. One such example is how a kind military veteran’s passion for physical fitness helps people on their own weight loss journey.

Legitimate difficulties with losing weight

No matter your weight goal, 20 pounds or 200 pounds, losing weight is a challenge. There are a number of misconceptions regarding weight loss that can lead to demotivation and doing exercises improperly. Certain health conditions can contribute to making it 3 times more difficult to lose weight as well.

Our mentality towards weight loss needs to be adjusted

People by nature are lazy unless they are getting a reward or sense of accomplishment out of what they are doing. This holds true for dieting and exercising as well. It’s one of the reasons people look for an easy and fast way to achieve what took them months or years to gain.

1. Dieting is a lifestyle, not a short term option

We tend to think of dieting as a short term choice we are making. In actuality, in order to maintain a certain weight or prevent weight gain, we need to establish certain eating choices depending upon our goal. Eating healthy foods and decreasing calories and bad fat combined with consistent activity or exercise are generally the methods of losing weight. As a result, your energy levels improve, your blood sugar is more stable, your cells in your body can perform better and you’re more mentally sharp.

Doing this does not necessarily require you to become a vegetarian or choose a specific diet such as Keto or Paleo. It is a conscious adjustment to your eating pattern that encourages healthy, balanced food choices for a healthy body. There is a multitude of balanced diets out there. It may require a bit of trial and error to see which benefits you the most.

2. There’s no quick fix for weight loss

I remember in high school that the common practice of losing weight was pretty much to starve yourself and maybe drink a lot of coffee to keep your energy up. Not a smart idea, but it was high school. Unfortunately, that mentality still exists except now it’s replaced by low-calorie protein shakes and bars with a lot of water. It is advertised as a way to “flush the fat” out of your system, remove toxins and bloat.

The fact is, while you are still getting some nutrients from the protein shake, you are still lacking proper nutrients. This places your body in starvation mode, meaning it will hold onto extra fat. Yes, you will lose weight and water and muscle. After it is done, you will put weight back on twice as fast and usually more than you had before. Medical doctors state that you should not lose more than 2 pounds per week to help ensure potential permanent weight loss.

It took you weeks, months, or years to put on the weight. Logic dictates that it will take you almost the same amount of time to lose it by only adjusting your diet. Exercise with diet may help you lose it a bit faster, but it would require a lot of dedication.

Losing weight requires a commitment to yourself, a dedication to achieving a healthy weight in a healthy manner. Attempting a fad diet or extreme dieting will only continue the cycle of poor eating choices and weight gain for the rest of your life. That is also why it is a lifestyle choice. There is no true fast fix.

- Pills or diet supplements

As part of the desire for a fast fix, many people try supposed “diet” pills or supplements. Most diet pills contain epinephrine or caffeine to increase your heart rate under the idea that the result is an increase in your metabolism. They also act as diuretics to potentially rid your body of excess water. Neither will truly help you lose weight.

Exercise and weight loss

Exercise is great for your overall health, but don’t count on exercise alone to help you lose weight. In a review conducted by The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, it was stated that adults should do 150-300 minutes of moderate to extensive cardio or aerobic exercise per week with at least 2 days of strength training. For older or elder adults, some balance training should be included as well.

It is important to understand that it requires 3500 calories to be burned a day to rid your body of 1 pound of fat. You cannot burn off that much with exercise alone. What exercise does do is get your metabolism working, helps you sleep better, and increases blood and oxygen in the body. You will also have better digestion. Weight training is good because muscle burns calories even when you are not exercising. The more efficiently your body operates, the more energy it burns off naturally throughout the day.

Health issues that complicate weight loss

There are conditions or diseases that can make losing weight extremely difficult. It may be difficult because of a lack of diagnosis, metabolism imbalances, hormone imbalances, joint problems, fatigue, mental fog, or more. Additionally, some illnesses or diseases require medication that decreases mental awareness and focus, energy levels, moods, and more. Some of these illnesses include:

Cushing’s disease
Hypothyroidism
Insulin resistance
Depression
Menopause

Using a Personal Trainer

A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine showed that 57% of volunteers demonstrated an increase in motivation and physical improvement after using a personal trainer.

A personal trainer is trained to provide support, motivation, education, and options with a personalized exercise plan.

Support and motivation come from holding you accountable for following through on doing the exercises as well as from tracking your improvements in form, strength, and stamina.
Education comes from the coach training you on the form your body should be in to perform the exercises in the most effective and safest manner.
Options are made available because they are there to help design a plan personalized for your goals and health challenges.

Meet Veteran, James Coley

One personal trainer in Tampa, Florida, James Coley, caught the attention of ABC News for his outstanding work. Coley is an Air Force Veteran who later played professional basketball in the Dominican Republic. According to the news report, he started just helping friends at the gym and realized that he felt so rewarded helping others get in shape. He found great satisfaction in sharing his passion for physical fitness and began helping others who contacted him. Many of these individuals had significant weight gain and health issues. They found him to be a caring, compassionate person. One such client went from 316 pounds to 175 pounds.

He attributes the leadership skills that have benefited him in multiple positions in his life to the 3 D’s he learned in the service:

Determination
Dedication
Discipline

Final Thoughts About Weight Loss and Achieving Physical Fitness

Making the decision to lose weight is easy. Finding the commitment and dedication to adopt healthy eating and exercise as a legitimate lifestyle can be difficult. It is important to do your research in choosing a diet. Don’t fall for the latest fad diet or miracle pill.

Everything you need to start is in how you approach getting healthy. Reaching out to family, friends, and a personal trainer can be a great way to keep yourself motivated. Plus, you’ll learn how to exercise safely and effectively, and gain the encouragement and support to reach your goals. Perhaps you, too, can find a kind, military veteran with a passion for physical fitness to help you on your weight loss journey!

21 Tips You Must Know To Live Frugally

April 17, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The importance of living frugally is a major concern in every household. Even if you make a comfortable living, saving for the future is wise. Popular books, magazines, and websites admire the benefits of thriftiness.

Have you ever read cookbooks or watched shows hosted by the late Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet? Smith was quick to emphasize that being frugal does not mean cheap. It involves stretching your dollars to buy the best quality your budget allows.

If you imagine being thrifty makes you one of the extreme examples from a popular reality show about cheapskates, you needn’t be. You can manage your spending habits wisely while still enjoying an abundant life. How is that possible?

With careful planning, research, and reevaluating your priorities, frugal living is possible for your family or anyone else. Along the way, you may meet others who have success with thriftiness and will share pointers with you. Here are twenty-one tips that give you some helpful suggestions.

21 Actionable Tips to Live Frugally

1. Establish a Household Budget

No doubt you have worked from a budget for years. Has it helped you pay bills while providing money for savings? If not, consider revising your budget to reflect what you earn and how you can eliminate unnecessary items.

2. Keep a Spending Journal

It’s easy to whip out cash or card all day and not realize how much you are spending. If you keep a journal, you may be shocked at how these little changes add up. Even more sobering is that many of these could be impulse buys you don’t need.

3. Reevaluate Your Family’s Spending Priorities

Some bills, like mortgage/rent, transportation, utilities, and other basic needs, are inevitable. However, you have some financial wiggle room to monitor these needs closely. Study your spending journal and see where you can eliminate frivolous items or reduce the cost.

4. Reduce or Eliminate Your Debt

Did you know that most Americans are seriously in debt? Has society’s mandate to “keep up with the Jones family” kept your bank accounts in the red? Unfortunately, interest and late charges can compound and leave you destitute for years.

If you are struggling with debt, seek a qualified debt counselor to learn how you can reduce, and eventually eliminate it. Your counselor can advise you on how to pay off high-interest credit cards and loans, usually without resorting to bankruptcy. With a clean slate, you can better manage your money and avoid the pitfalls of debt.

5. Shop Smart with Coupons

When you pitch those store circulars and coupon packs from the Sunday paper into the recycling bin, you may be throwing out cash. Clipping coupons is still a reliable way to save on your grocery bills. You can also sign up for free coupon exchanges online.

Pay attention to local store circulars advertising sales. Correlate the deals and coupons with your grocery list for optimal savings. Remember, don’t buy things you don’t need just because they are on sale or you have a coupon.

If you want to save on the cost of the Sunday paper, you can also install couponing apps on your smartphone.

6. Live Frugally by Shopping Online

Before you purchase an item at a store, you should look it up online. You may find it on the company’s website for a lower price, and many of them offer free shipping. Some offer impressive online sales that aren’t available in stores.

Online auctions and buy/sell websites are another excellent source for purchasing things inexpensively. Auction houses in South Carolina also offer great opportunities to find unique and valuable items, often with rich historical significance. While most items are gently used, you can often find new ones in their original package. Be sure to read all item descriptions, shipping information, and guarantees before buying. For those specifically interested in unique and historical pieces, GA antique auctions provide a valuable opportunity to discover rare items at competitive prices.

7. Discover the Joy of Thrifting

Thrift stores were reusing and upcycling things long before it became popular. If you can find something in good shape that you need at a high price, why buy new? Also, you are kinder to the environment.

You can find almost anything you can imagine in a thrift store. You can also scout out local garage sales to buy great stuff for pennies on the dollar. Check out your local thrift store before buying new.

8. Learn to Upcycle at Home

Use a creative eye around your house to reuse things you already have. Before you pitch or recycle something, ask yourself if you can repurpose it. Kids enjoy learning how to upcycle old stuff into other useful items.

For example, you can cut up worn out towels and soft clothes and turn them into free cleaning rags. Clean food jars and lids to turn into handy storage containers. These are just a few of the countless ideas you can try for frugality around the house.

9. Visit Your Local Library to Live Frugally But Still Read the Latest Releases

Have you noticed the astronomical prices of new books and periodicals in the bookstores? Don’t spend your hard-earned cash for something you will probably read once. Instead, borrow them for free from your local library.

Modern libraries are a treasure trove of books, periodicals, and other media material that is available with your free library card. For your copies, consider joining a local book/magazine exchange group and stay well-read without breaking your piggy bank.

10. Eat at Home More Often

It’s shocking how much you can spend on fast food, and it’s also impressive how much weight it can add to your waistline. While dining on the go is convenient when you’re pushed for time, it’s seldom economical. The same offerings at your local restaurant would be a fraction of the cost if made at home.

Plan your meals each week and resolve to minimize restaurant visits. Try nutritious recipes that your family will love for meals or snacks. Homemade food is usually tastier and healthier, plus you spend more quality time with your loved ones at home.

11. Grow a Victory Garden

Long before the farm-to-table movement, our ancestors knew how to grow and preserve their food. No paltry produce in the grocery store can compare to the taste and quality of something homegrown.

Consider cultivating a small vegetable patch in your back yard with your favorite ones. Don’t have a yard? You can quickly grow tomatoes, strawberries, and other tasty produce in pots on a sunny patio.

12. Keep Your Wardrobe to a Minimum

Is your closet bursting to the seams with clothes you hardly ever wear? Purge your wardrobe and keep a minimum of quality clothes that look attractive to you. Shop thrift stores for beautiful clothes and accessories and avoid trendy items that won’t match several things you already have.

13. Live Frugally by Firing Your Cable TV Provider

Your cable television bill probably bites a big chunk of your income each month. Not only is it usually a waste of money, but too much television is an unhealthy waste of time. Nix the cable and opt for streaming channels on your computer or smartphone.

14. Try Homemade Cleaning Products

With some of the potentially hazardous ingredients in many household cleaning products, mixing your own makes sense. The Internet is full of free recipes for everyday cleaning products. Most use natural ingredients, clean just as well, and are a fraction of the cost.

15. Start a Bartering System in Your Neighborhood

Recruit some like-minded neighbors to start a money-saving bartering group. Trade quality items you no longer need to your group for things you can use. You can also do the bartering system with homegrown produce and handcrafted items.

16. Walk for Health and To Save Cash

Health experts say that walking is one of the best exercises. Instead of driving short distances, consider walking. You save fuel and wear on your car, plus you are doing your body a favor. The environment will also thank you for reducing your carbon footprint.

17. Learn How to Do Things Yourself

Do you watch the popular DIY reality shows with envy? With time and practice, you can learn to do many of the same things around your house. While some more complicated things require a professional, you can watch online tutorials and learn how easy it’s to make simple home repairs and updates.

18. Dry Your Clothes Free and Naturally

Clothes dryers use a lot of expensive energy to run. With a simple clothesline and a couple of poles, you can hang your clothes to dry outside as your grandparents did. There’s nothing like the delightful fragrance of wind and sunshine from line-dried clothes.

19. Conserve on Your Water Usage

Water is another expensive utility that can be minimalized. Consider using timers for shorter showers and use stored rainwater for your garden and lawn. Replace faucet washers that drip and waste your water by the gallon.

20. Practice Frugal Giving

Frugal giving does not mean you turn into the Grinch. Learn to buy or make gifts that show you put thought into them. A gift lovingly made by hand will be cherished long after the department store afterthought is gone.

21. Learn to Entertain on a Budget

When your friends or loved ones come to visit, spending time with you is more important to them than an extravagant meal. Find recipes for delicious appetizers and dinners that are delicious and don’t cost a fortune.

Final Thoughts: You Can Live Frugally But Still Enjoy Life

Living abundantly doesn’t have to bankrupt you. A frugal lifestyle can keep your debt minimalized while maximizing your joy. You will have more time to enjoy things money can’t buy when you live frugally.

10 Ways to Release Stress from the Pandemic

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Dealing with a global pandemic is quite challenging. Many people are experiencing problems with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to the quarantine requirements. The stress of such a situation can undoubtedly weigh heavily on an individual as well as their entire family. It’s vital that you develop a coping mechanism to help you release stress during these days.

10 Helpful Ways to Release Stress

If you’re feeling the pangs of shelter-in-place orders, then you need to know that there are ways to release the stress you’re feeling. Here are ten simple methods to keep your mind busy and ease excessive tension and strain.

1. Get Your Body Moving

The relationship between exercise and the improvement of mental illness has been well studied. During times of a pandemic, when you are quarantined to your home, it’s easy to skip workouts because the gyms are closed. However, you need to keep your body moving.

You may be tempted to eat more and move less. Developing a couch potato persona is not going to help you. Eating excessive amounts of sugar and other carbohydrate-laden foods will do more harm than good. When you are exercising, you are helping to raise levels of vital neurotransmitters in the brain.

Your brain depends on serotonin to help you feel good. If you are not exercising, then your levels of this hormone may not be optimal. Did you know that many people who suffer from depression and continual angst have helped their symptoms by merely incorporating a workout routine in their life?

The answer to making you feel better, maybe within the power of your control. Just get up, get out, and get moving. You’ll release stress and get fitter for your effort.

2. Don’t Gorge on Junk Food

It’s difficult to stay on a healthy eating plan when you are cooped up in your home. During a pandemic, many people stress-eat, or they eat because they are bored. Don’t fall into this trap as it can be detrimental.

While most people don’t sit on the couch and binge on carrots and broccoli, it’s really a better choice. Avoid snack cakes, potato chips, sweet popcorns, and other junk food items. You can’t expect to feel good when you’re packing on the pounds from poor eating habits.

Remember, this pandemic will end, and you will need to contend with all the weight gain. Do yourself a favor and skip the snacking by trying to only eat meals from the table. It will help you to make better choices and avoid binge eating. Plus, your children are watching and eating alongside you.

3. Stick to A Daily Routine

If you have children, then you know the importance of a daily routine. When your schedule becomes disheveled, it can make you feel horrible. Have you ever slept too late on a Saturday morning and had a headache due to oversleeping?

Your body only needs 6-8 hours of sleep, and anything more than that can be counterproductive. While it may feel good initially to get that ten hours of shut-eye, it can cause you to feel miserable for the rest of the day. Try to stick to a schedule so that you can keep some normality in your days.

Additionally, if you have children in the home, you will appreciate keeping their schedule. It’s quite challenging to reprogram them once they have become accustomed to staying up late and sleeping the morning away. No matter how much you don’t want to get up, make sure you trade the pajamas for clothes, brush your teeth, wash your face, and put on your bravest smile as you face another day.

4. Get Out in The Sunshine

Being inside is good on cold and dreary days, but you need to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature as much as possible. There’s something about being in the fresh air and seeing all the beautiful creations that will help to heal mental angst.

If you are outside for just 20 minutes, it can help to boost your mood and your vitamin D levels. You were made for being outside among the gentle breezes and beautiful trees. If you want to keep depression at bay for you and your entire household, then get out from behind those four walls.

5. Take Some You Time to Release Stress

Everyone has specific things that help them to calm their mind and body. Is your special treat a bubble bath with candles all around, or do you prefer to sit on the bank casting a fishing line in the water? You need to make sure you have some time to be alone in the silence. Those tranquil moments will give you the ability to keep going.

When you live in a chaotic household that’s full of the hustle and bustle, you need to carve out a small space of time for your needs. Try to allow at least an hour a day for you to have alone time. It will help you to refocus and renew your mind, body, and soul.

6. Help Someone in Need

During a pandemic, there are all sorts of people that need help. You may have an elderly neighbor that can’t get out and go to the grocery store. They may be in a precarious position if they go out into the world with the threat of a virus looming.

You can forget about your agitation and anxiety when you do something beautiful for others. While you still need to practice safety measures, you should extend a hand to someone in need. You will find that your kind gesture will make you feel good, and it will be so welcomed to someone who truly needs help.

7. Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

Does your diet include drinks that are laden with sugar and caffeine? Soft drinks and coffee have high caffeine content, and they can make you feel worse than you already do. Caffeine is a drug that travels the same pathways in your brain as cocaine.

Unfortunately, caffeine speeds up your heart and can increase feelings of angst rather than making you feel better. If you must have these drinks, then try to limit them or switch to a noncaffeinated variety.

8. Turn on Those Tunes

Music has motivated the masses for centuries. Have you ever seen a snake handler playing the flute before they handle the snake? Music calms the reptile enough so that it can be handled.

When you play music, it can instantly change your entire mood. Put on some jamming tunes and dance. If you have children in the home, then have them join in on the dance party. It’s challenging to be glum when you’re rocking to your favorite tunes.

9. Meditate

Meditation is an ancient art that has been used for thousands of years. It’s an Eastern tradition that helps a person to balance their tension. When you are meditating, you have slowed your breathing and are in control of your thoughts. You teach your body how to deal with the tension of the day.

When you control your breathing, you slow your heart rate, stop your racing mind, and ease your angst. Many people can gain control of their mental dilemmas by merely meditating for about ten minutes each day. Whenever you feel yourself start to get to an unhealthy place with your strain and tension, you should go to your quiet spot and meditate until you feel a peaceful calm.

10. Phone a Friend

During these uncertain times of the global pandemic, you can’t meet your friends for drinks or dinner. However, you can always pick up the phone and call someone to voice your frustrations. Most people have a person they can go to when the world seems cruel and unfair.

It’s going to take every ounce of strength you have to get through these times of isolation. It seems as if these shelter-in-place orders will never end. Having a robust support system will be the key to getting through this mentally unscathed.

If you prefer to have your connections in person more than over the phone, then you can use video chat or some other apps to connect face-to-face. Make the best of the technological resources you have to ensure you protect your sanity.

Final Thoughts: Release Stress During This Time in Your Life

Anxiety is a problem that affects more than forty million Americans suffer from each day. When you add the uncertainty of a global pandemic and isolation to the mix, it can take you to a dark place very quickly. You don’t have to live in a state of gloom and doom and feel controlled by your emotions.

You have the power to pick yourself up and control your angst. Did you know that stress first begins in your perceptions? You can stop your body from going into that “fight-or-flight” response by using techniques to redirect your mind.

Everyone is struggling with the things going on in the world, but you can take charge of yourself and make it out of this trial unscathed. Perhaps, you might even learn a few things along the way.

10 Signs That Someone Needs an Intervention

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you fear that someone you know or love is in dire need of an intervention? If so, know that you do not stand alone in this.

Drug addiction has become an epidemic in our society. Most users try to self-medicate their physical or emotional pain away. Sadly, they end up making the situation worse by adding addiction to the mix. Shockingly, more than 10 percent of all Americans will suffer from a drug or alcohol dependency at one time in their life.

Substance abuse issues can happen to anyone at any time. No one is safe from the clutches of addiction. You will see a very public struggle from high-profile celebrities, but it can also affect local government and even medical professionals. When the pain of life gets to be too much to handle, many turn to drugs to ease their pain.

Unfortunately, once a person starts down the road of alcohol or drug abuse, it can cause untimely death. Famous stars such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Amy Winehouse, and Anna Nicole Smith, are just a few celebrities that have passed from addiction. What can friends or family members do to help?

There are many substances that a person can find they’ve developed an addiction too. The most used drugs are heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and prescription medications. It’s often difficult for you to see an addiction until it has gone to a dangerous level.

Sadly, someone who has been involved in drug or alcohol abuse often becomes a master at hiding their addiction. As the substance abuse issue progresses, these people can become combative, aggressive, and hostile towards anyone who questions their actions. Regardless, they still need the help of those who love them.

Signs You Need to Plan an Intervention and Save a Life

If you feel that your friend or loved one is struggling with drug abuse, then here are ten signs that they need an intervention.

1. Their Judgement Has Become Drastically Impaired

When a person is involved in drug or alcohol addiction, then they may begin to engage in atypical behavior. Is your friend or loved one using poor judgment? Those with addiction seem to do a 180-degree turn in their actions overnight.

It’s essential to keep a close eye on someone whom you suspect is caught in the clutches of addiction. Their fixations may cause them problems with the law and even land them in jail. The drastic turn of events is a loud alarm that something is going on that needs to be investigated.

2. They Prefer to Isolate Rather Than Be with Family/Friends

When your friend or loved one is dealing with alcohol abuse, they may want to close themselves off from the rest of the world. It’s not that they don’t love you and want to be around you; it’s that their addiction is making them separate from those who might catch on to their actions.

One of the first signs that someone needs help is they begin to isolate themselves from others. If they were once a social person and now seem to be absent from their inner circle, then it can be a sign they need an intervention. As the clutches of addiction grows more substantial, the person’s primary goal will be to find their next fix.

Have you noticed that they are ignoring your invitations to family get-togethers or missing grand celebrations? It’s time to step in and try to help.

3. They Have Violent Mood Swings

Addicts can be very unpredictable in their behavior. It’s important to understand that these swings are caused by the drug affecting the brain. One minute they may be having a nice conversation with you and all smiles. However, they can quickly change their entire demeanor.

Dealing with those who are involved with drugs or alcohol can be difficult as they are so unpredictable. It’s essential to keep in mind that they are not choosing to act this way. Instead, the drugs are making them have these negative moods.

When you see a constant shift in the highs and lows of someone’s mood, it needs to be further investigated as it can be a mental illness problem, drug addiction, or both.

4. They Mentally Struggle to Keep Things Straight

Have you seen any signs of cognitive impairment? When someone is involved with drug or alcohol abuse, they may begin to have periods where they cannot recall certain things. It’s a sign that the addiction has become serious as the drugs or alcohol is messing with their brain function.

It’s important to stage an intervention immediately. Since there is cognitive impairment, it means the addiction is severe and warrants professional help.

5. They’ve Become Very Irresponsible

When dealing with addiction, the person is fixated on getting their next dose. Priorities that once took center stage in their lives slowly begin to fade away. They may start calling off work often, forget to pick their children up from school, and avoid paying household bills.

If you see them doing anything that can affect a child’s safety, then you must step in and help right away. While it might involve an intervention, it probably also warrants a call to the child protective services agency in your area. Many children die at the hands of a drug or alcohol-addicted parent.

6. They’re Always Sick

Many addicts will try to kick the habit without professional help. If they are strong, they may be able to pull it off. However, you may see them experience something like:

•Increased Anxiety
•Migraine Headaches
•Excessive Sweating
•Fatigue
•Nausea and Vomiting

It’s easy to brush off these things like the flu or another illness. However, you need to keep a close eye on them as these could be the signs of a debilitating withdrawal. There can be both psychological and physical dependency on a drug, and you need to watch for the signs that they need help.

7. They’re Always Hurting Themselves

Some people are more accident-prone than others. However, if you notice that your friend or loved one is having an increased number of accidents or injuries, then it could indicate that they have an addiction issue. Since drugs in the opiate family numb pain and bodily sensations, they may not be able to feel their injuries like the typical person.

Alcohol and drugs both will dull the senses, so they are more prone to becoming injured. They should never get behind the wheel of a car when they are in this state. Not only is their life in danger, but they can put others in danger too.

Additionally, a person with constant accidents may avoid going to the doctor even if it’s necessary. They will do anything that helps to keep their secret hidden. If you notice that they are always getting hurt, then you need to investigate the matter.

8. Their Appearance is Unkempt

There aren’t many visible signs of addiction. However, as substance abuse progresses, you may see that their outward appearance becomes a bit disheveled. They may have greasy hair, haven’t showered in days, and you might see their teeth begin to rot away.

If a person was especially kempt in their appearance and suddenly begins to have issues with hygiene, then it’s a sign that you may need to do an intervention. Keep in mind that one of the hallmarks of mental illness is that personal hygiene seems to fall by the way. If your loved one always looks like they have just crawled out of bed, then it’s time to find out what’s going on.

9. They’ve Started Hanging with a Rough Crowd

There’s an old saying that states that “birds of a feather flock together.” When you have a friend or relative that is into bad things, they will look for people with like interests. They will avoid those who are don’t agree with their substance abuse issues.

One of the hallmark signs of addiction is that a person will ditch their faithful friends for those who are kindred spirits. In many instances, the people they hang with are drug dealers and other addicts who share their burdens. Sadly, these relationships only worsen the addiction and show the need for an intervention.

10. Their Tolerance for Drugs or Alcohol Increases

When a person takes their first sips of alcohol in life, they will find that it quickly gives them a buzz. However, as time goes by, they will need more alcohol to give them the same feelings. You may notice that a friend you have drinks with can drink way more than they once required to feel good.

If they are taking more pills because that nagging headache won’t go away, then it’s a sign that they have developed a tolerance and need more to get the same effects. Additionally, these behaviors scream there is an underlying addiction at play.

Adult behaviors in someone who had addicted parents.

Final Thoughts: Staging an Intervention

If you want to confront your friend or loved one about the things you have observed out of the ordinary, then it’s always best to do so with help. Get other friends and relatives together and ask a mediator to help.

Remember, the person in trouble must admit that they have a problem, or you won’t get anywhere with them. You need to have definitive proof and make sure that you tell them all your concerns. The goal is for them to admit they need help.

People with addictions can be quite remarkable at defending their actions. Having a therapist or someone who specializes in these types of interventions is often necessary as it may save their life. The key is to seek the assistance of a professional trained in intervention quickly.

11 Amazing Things That Happen When You Start Loving Yourself

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you discovered the amazing things that happen when you start loving yourself? It places you on the path you were destined to travel. There’s no better time than the present to start healing yourself with love.

When we talk about self-love, it’s not narcissism or arrogance. When you practice loving yourself, you extend the same compassion and mercy you would show to others. How long has it been since you looked in the mirror and told yourself, “I love you just as you are?”

Learning to show yourself love may not come easy for you. Maybe you were taught that this kind of affection is selfish and unacceptable. Did you grow up believing that you were unworthy of love, even from yourself?

If you are ready to take a stand and allow love to radiate throughout your being, then you will notice remarkable changes. Are you ready to embrace yourself in compassion and acceptance? You may see these eleven tremendous changes happen in your life when self-love becomes a habit.

1. Anger Will Minimize

Some people say that anger is the most natural emotion, especially when you aren’t sure how you feel. There are a time and place for righteous anger when you see injustices and cruelty in your world. However, stored-up rage can stagnate in your heart and create soul-debilitating bitterness.

As you practice love for yourself, you can see beyond the anger and watch it dissipate. Perhaps your anger was displaced, and you were more upset with yourself than the situation. As love spreads throughout your soul, you discover that you no longer have room for hostile, self-destructive emotions.

2. You Will Finally Forgive and Be Forgiven

Have you ever held on to a petty grudge and justified it by saying you cannot forgive a trespass? The real issue is you won’t forgive, but you have the capability within yourself. Are there grudges in the past that you refuse to relinquish?

Many people have a skewed definition of forgiveness and consider it a weakness or admission of defeat. The person who forgives shows more strength and character than the one who infringes.

Loving yourself turns on a light within and lets you see the icicles of unforgiveness weighing down your soul. Letting go of these burdens is a gift of love you deserve. It may take time, but you can do it.

It would help if you learned to forgive the hurts for self-freedom. It does not excuse or forget the wrong or wrongdoer. Instead, forgiveness removes the self-inflicted shackles so that you can go on with your life.

If you are the wrongdoer, loving yourself can make you want to be a better person. Apologizing and making amends also allows you the freedom to move into the future. Even if the other person does not forgive you, you have done your part.

3. You’ll Find Acceptance

No matter who you are or how much money you make, we all want acceptance. It’s a basic need that must be fulfilled. However, we are often more accepting of others than we are of ourselves.

Listen to your self-talk and notice the tone. Are you offering kindness and compassion or constant criticism of yourself? Refusing to accept you can be the root of many problems you’ve faced in the past, present, and future if you don’t change things.

Loving yourself comes with the acceptance of your life and circumstances. As you learn to foster this wholistic love, you begin to accept yourself as the beautiful soul. Additionally, your heart will be more open to receiving others, flaws, and all.

4. You May Start to Feel Better

Folks who practice self-love radiate with assurance and feel at ease. When you are boiling with inner conflict and self-loathing, you can have anxiety and other health issues. A poor self-image can wear you down, making you prone to illness.

Many people who have learned to love themselves often claim that they feel better. While the love of self is not a cure for a disease, it can strengthen your body to help ward them off. Maybe your first step in physical, mental, and spiritual healing is to shower yourself with love.

5. You Learn to Show Gratitude

Gratitude and contentment go hand-in-hand. The more you foster a love for yourself, the easier it is to be grateful and content. If you have no self-worth, then nothing will make you happy. Have you ever wondered why so many rich and famous people never find true fulfillment?

As you expel the negativity of self-loathing and replace it with real love, it overflows from your soul into your environment. This loving gratitude is not greed or materialism but contentment for what you have.

When you accept yourself with perfect love, you realize that you don’t need “stuff” to make you happy. You start to see the beauty and simplicity of yourself. Society’s urge to buy bigger, better, and more, will no longer affect you.

6. You’ll Throw Away the Gavel of Judgment

Aside from the courts of law, we were not born into this world to judge others. True, we must consider others’ characters and actions, but we are ultimately not their judge.

Have you slammed the gavel down on people over the years and felt the weight of a judgmental attitude? Maybe you have even judged yourself too harshly. Finding love for yourself eliminates your need to decide as you replace it with compassion and mercy.

7. Creativity Blossoms

Have you ever declared that you are not a creative person? The good news is that all of us are imaginative to a certain point. While you may not be a Leonardo da Vinci or Picasso, you may discover you can be a decent painter with practice and some encouragement for your abilities.

Low self-esteem hinders creativity at its source, and it can cause depression. When you feel bad about yourself and make self-defeating statements, it blocks the positive energy within you. This is the energy that allows you to imagine and create things you never thought possible.

Try building self-respect and love, and watch how your creativity will flow like water from a broken dam. Your heart, mind, and soul will be free of self-defeating sludge, and you will gain a fresh perspective and inspiration.

8. You’ll Energize Your Body, Mind, and Soul

Who among us couldn’t use a little more energy? Even with the constant perks of modern technology, our lives often seem busier than ever. When you juggle a family, career, and social obligations, it’s no wonder you deplete your reservoir every day.

Some of the energy sag and emotional drain may come from a lack of love and not respecting yourself. Do you often overextend your time and resources to please others? When do you give yourself the same courtesies?

Love is the guiding force of the universe, and it can energize your whole being. You learn from loving and respecting yourself that your needs are also essential. Sometimes you must say “no.” Dropping the weight of low self-esteem can empower you with more energy, confidence, and physical stamina.

9. You Will Become More Comfortable with Change

Someone once said that the only thing concrete in this life is that nothing is concrete. Does your self-confidence depend on everything staying the same? Are you afraid to take risks because you fear change and would hate yourself if you failed?

An increase in love can give you the grace to accept change. If you are unhappy with things in your life, love can encourage you to make changes that you have always wanted to make. In the ups and downs of living, your love for yourself will keep sustain you.

10. True Love May Find You

Have you ever been around people who constantly apologize and put themselves down? While humility is a virtue, excessive self-deprecation is a turn-off to most people. If you have longed to find your soulmate, listen to how you talk and see how much love you are showing yourself.

People who practice loving themselves effervesce with the confidence that others find attractive. When you respect yourself the way you deserve, it is easier to love someone else. If you already have your real love, it can revive your relationship.

11. You Can Find Joy

Although we use the terms interchangeably, happiness and joy are not synonyms. Happiness is temporary and depends on your circumstances. With love for yourself comes joy, a state of well-being regardless of what you have or what you are experiencing.

Like love, joy is not an emotion. Instead, it is a choice. As you choose to love and respect yourself as a worthy person, you can also choose joy. These are accompanied by peace, patience, and esteem for your life.

Final Thoughts: Start Loving Yourself Today

Why not decide today to increase the love and respect for yourself? It may be the thing that provides the joy and abundance you deserve. Walk into your destiny with your head up and your heart and mind open. The world is your oyster if you only look at it through the eyes of love.

10 Mental Health Tips to Stay Positive During Quarantine

April 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are few things worse than being under quarantine. You want to provide safety for you and your family, which means utilizing shelter-in-place protocols. However, while you may shield yourself from outside exposures to various viruses and toxins, you must stay positive. By keeping a positive mindset, you will protect your mental health too.

10 Tips for Stay Positive and Protect Your Mental Health

If you ask any mental health professional, they will tell you that if you want to avoid depression, then you need to get out from behind four walls. When you’re under quarantine, you can’t do that as easily. Thankfully, here are ten tips to help you ride out the storm and keep your sanity.

1. Get Plenty of Time Outside to Help Stay Positive

Nothing can give you a better boost in your mood than sunshine. The sun provides ample doses of Vitamin D, which is something your body desperately needs. There’s no reason to stay inside when the weather is beautiful outside.

The key to being outside is to maintain your distance between other folks, while still allowing everyone to enjoy parks and other public spaces. During social distancing, you always want to observe the rules of the quarantine. However, you can play ball, walk hiking trails, and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

2. Tackle Household Projects

Do you have tons of little projects around your house that you’ve never got around to doing? Well, being off during the quarantine offers you plenty of downtimes. Why not paint the stairwell or the master bedroom, or can you build that deck you’ve wanted for years?

When the world opens back up and is going at an accelerated speed, you will appreciate all the time you had to work on these projects. Most hardware stores are open for your home repair needs. Head over to the paint department and see what new hue you can splash on your walls.

3. Dive into Spring Cleaning

The adage states that a clean home is a happy home. You’ll be able to stay positive after the restrictions lift by having a better-organized household. Since you want to ensure your family’s health anyway, why not tear out all those closets and wash the curtains? Spring cleaning can be something you get the whole family involved in doing.

Remember to pull out the stove and refrigerator and clean behind those significant appliances. It might be a great time also to have the carpets shampooed and give your abode a deep clean.

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4. Engage in an Excellent Novel

When it comes to mental health, there are few things as beneficial as a good book. You can transport yourself to another time and place by simply reading a captivating story. If you want to be anywhere but stuck at home, why not join an adventurous story that will engage your mind.

If you have children at home, then you should encourage them to read. Why not have a family book night where you all read a novel a few chapters at a time? You can have some really engaging conversation when you’re all excited and hearing a story come to life.

5. Catch up with Friends and Family

While you may not be able to see your friends and family during quarantine, you can still communicate. Thanks to the power of technology, you can use apps that allow you to have video phone calls.

Since you can’t be there in person, then a video call is the next best thing. Catch up with siblings and relatives both near and far. Technology can bridge the gaps between you and your loved ones, and you can find out all the happenings in their life.

6. Join an Online Support Group to Feel Less Isolated During Quarantine

Some people handle being in lockdown better than others. If you feel that you are on edge and about to have a break, then it’s best to reach out to others for support. The internet is full of people that are experiencing the same emotions as you, and they can be a great source of comfort.

You must remember that your feelings are not abnormal and that many people are having a hard time with sheltering-in-place. Online support groups using apps like Zoom can make you feel as if you are attending a meeting. Seeing all the other faces and hearing their stories can make you think that you’re not alone, and you have someone’s shoulder to cry on.

7. Use Humor as Much as Possible

Much research has gone into the effects of humor on the body’s health. It’s hard to stay blue if you’re laughing. Many people are using Tik Tok to create funny videos.

Could you be the next great chef, or would you like to create a hilarious video using your children and their abilities? You can create anything you want and share it with the world. When you’re laughing and smiling, it helps to pass the time.

Also, your videos can help someone else who may be going through a difficult time right now. Sign up for a daily joke and watch some of the hilarious videos that have gone viral because of their great content.

8. Turn Off the News and Put Down the Phone

In times of uncertainty, it’s important that we only get the right amount of news. You don’t want to burden yourself with all the negativity. Rather, you need to focus on the things that are important for you and your family.

It’s also of supreme importance that you limit your children’s interaction with social media. While video games and watching YouTube are all great things, there should be limits placed on them for mental wellness.

You and your children need to be spending time together playing board games, running in the wind, and cooking dinner together. Putting so much negativity into your spirit can really start to cause issues for your psyche. It’s okay to leave the TV off for a day and have everyone put their cell phones in a box.

9. Stay Positive by Establishing a Comfortable Routine

Daily habits are there because they are important. During quarantine periods, things get all mixed up, and your schedule gets off. However, if your timetable is really off, then it can really mess with your mental wellness.

No matter how hard it is to get out of bed, you must get up at a decent hour. Sleeping in should be no later than 9 am. Also, you and your children should get dressed, brush your teeth and hair, and be presentable for each day. Not only will you look better, but you will feel better when you are up and have completed your daily routine.

When it comes to your children, you must have some patience and understanding when dealing with them. They don’t comprehend what’s going on and why they are at home so much. They will have behavioral issues, and they will not be perfect angels.

Be sure that you react with kindness and understanding. While everyone needs to follow the rules, you can extend some leniency due to the circumstances. Just keep reminding yourself and your family that this will all soon be over.

10. Stay Positive by Finding a Safe Retreat

All this togetherness is sometimes overwhelming. You can and should spend as much time with your children as you can. Those little moments playing a board game or watching them learning to ride a bike will be precious to you one day. However, there are times when you need a little solace.

Do you have a sacred space where you can go and meditate for a while? Meditation should be one of your new daily habits during the shelter-in-place orders. Many studies show how beneficial meditation can be for your mind, body, and soul. Plus, during these sessions, you can learn to get rid of negative feelings and channel positive ones.

If you don’t have a designated space where you can go to escape the world, then you need to go outside and take a walk. Don’t ever underestimate the power of sunshine, fresh air, peace, and quiet. It’s healing beyond measure. Make sure you get at least a half-hour of uninterrupted me time each day.

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Final Thoughts: Stay Positive and Make the Best of a Tough Situation

It’s important to remember that your children are looking to you during this time of uncertainty. If you are anxious and upset, then they will copy your emotions. However, if you use this time for something good, like spending lots of time together, then they will be happy and playful.

Being under quarantine is not easy for the strongest person. If you feel that you are getting to a point where you need help, then reach out to your doctor or a therapist. There are extra resources in place to help people who struggle with depression and anxiety, as well as other mental illnesses.

The only way to get through a difficult time is by doing things that you love most. So make that gourmet meal, go for a ride on your bike, and by all means, take a nap to rejuvenate yourself. Whatever it is that makes you happy–just stay positive.

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