Page 923

Climate Change Causes Greenland to Lose 11 Billion Tons of Ice in One Day

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The concern about climate change is not going away, but the ice in Greenland continues to. Multiple factors contribute to the melting and breaking apart of the ice sheet. So scientists continue to express concerns regarding the potential environmental impact in the coming future. On just one day in August of this year, climate change caused Greenland to lose 11 billion tons of ice. That was just the literal tip of the iceberg.

Understanding the cycle of ice sheets

From June through August, with July being the height, Greenland ice sheets melt annually. Typically the melting occurs around the edges of the layers. Furthermore, the loss is countered through fresh snowfall usually. This new snowfall isn’t only crucial to maintaining balance, but it also reflects the radiation from the sun’s rays. Old ice isn’t as shiny and reflective, so it absorbs the sun’s rays, resulting in eventual melting.

About 80% of the ice sheets should consist of this fresh snow sitting on top of the older ice. This older ice gradually becomes compressed into a glacier as its air pockets absorb more and more of the melted fresh snow each summer. This process helps to maintain the freezing of the ice. Plus, it prevents the runoff of water into the ocean.

2019 Greenland melting

This year, there wasn’t an abundance of snowfall in the winter. That lack of precipitation left much of the old ice exposed as summer approached. On average, melting points should only encompass about 10% of the ice sheet. Between the lack of snow and higher temperatures, this June, 45% of the ice sheets reached melting temperatures. The air temperature maintained about 10 – 15 degrees C above normal. And during one heat spell, the ice sheets lost nearly 80 billion tons of melt. This event exposed even more old ice, making the ice increasingly vulnerable to future heat waves.

Additionally, ice slabs formed over the old ice. These ice slabs have grown in size, blanketing large areas of Greenland. This meant that the air pockets couldn’t absorb any melting in the old ice. As a result, the melting water had nowhere else to go but toward the ocean after overflowing the rivers and creeks.

At the end of July and early August, 90% of Greenland was melting, dumping 55 billion tons of water and 10 billion tons of ice into the ocean over just those five days. 197 billion gallons of ice was lost to the sea from all of July according to a tweet from Ruth Rothram of Danish Meteorological Institute, as published in The Washington Post.

According to the Washington Post, on August 1^st, 12.5 billion tons of ice were lost in one day. On August 15th, CNN reported an additional 11 billion tons of ice was lost.

Confirmation from the experts

A tweet from Xavier Fettwies, a climate researcher at the University of Liege in Belgium, claimed the melting amount for July/August hadn’t happened since the 1950s. Scientists didn’t expect to see Greenland in this state until between 2060-2080. The 2019 July melt off was near equivalent to the significant loss in 2012, which had resulted in a 97% melt off in a matter of 4 days in July.

According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the melt off had affected 28.3 million square kilometers of Greenland. Even the higher elevations, including the Summit Station, had experienced one day of melting. The net ice loss for 2019 was a little over 300 gigatons.

Climate change and Greenland warming and melting

Multiple shifts are being equated to Greenland ice sheets melting and climate change.

1 – Changes in the Jet Stream create longer stretches of warm weather.

According to National Geographic, over the last 20 years, the Arctic air temperatures have warmed by about 1.8 degrees C. Scientists believe this is altering the typical jet stream. Typically, the jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere is partly balanced by the difference in temperatures between the Arctic and the equator. This increase in air temperature is influencing the jet stream to remain in areas for more extended periods.

We get hot spells, cold spells, or rains that last a few days longer because the jet stream isn’t moving as quickly as it was. This shift includes the warming spells over Greenland. An atmospheric scientist, Jennifer Francis of Woods Hole Research Center, is quoted in National Geographic as stating: “They’re very clearly connected to the extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—they’re a very obvious symptom of climate change.”

2 – Methane released from melting ice

In addition to the already increased concern regarding greenhouse gases adding to climate change, studies are being performed regarding released methane from Greenland ice melting, as well as Iceland. The study in Iceland demonstrated about 40 tons of methane was being released a day, as opposed to Greenland, which released 6 metric tons in 2015.

Scientists theorize that methane is locked in the ice from microbes digesting carbon. Typically, this methane releases in small amounts in the summer months. With the recent mass melting occurring since 2000, scientists are discovering multiple pockets of methane seeping out in larger quantities.

Being able to study methane releasing from glaciers is relatively new, and scientists are uncertain what to expect from it. It is a factor they are certainly keeping their eye on.

3 – Melting ice due to climate change creating rising sea and ocean levels

According to NASA, rising sea levels can be related to two things, both of which are due to a warming planet:

Melting glaciers and ice sheets
Warming ocean causing the water to expand.

NASA and other organizations are keeping a close eye on rising sea levels and any variables that are contributing to it.

A research team from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Fairbanks Alaska developed another model using data from NASA’s Operation Icebridge airborne campaign. They ran the scenarios 500 times with changing variables dependent upon greenhouse gas emissions up to the year 3000. The results concluded:

Without any reduction in emissions, the scientists predicted that the Greenland Ice sheet would melt entirely in 1000 years and contribute 17-23 feet to sea level.
If emissions stabilize by the end of the century, then ice decrease will amount to 26-57% of total mass by 3000 and increase sea level by roughly 5 feet.
If the emission significantly decreases, then ice loss will total 8-25%, and sea-level increases by 6 feet.

Consequences of rising sea levels

For as long as humanity has created villages, towns, and cities, being located close to a water source were crucial. We need water for drinking, sanitation, factories, and irrigation for farming. This is why our ancestors built our most populated cities near water.

With rising sea levels, these populations and the populations on islands, are at a substantial risk of being flooded out of their cities and homes. It will also create a considerable burden on agriculture, fishing industries, and factories.

Furthermore, an increase in sea level and water temperature changes weather patterns. Hurricanes and typhoons become more abundant and fiercer. This weather change, too, creates billions of dollars of infrastructure damage, loss of businesses, homes, loss of crops, and costs to ships and boats. It can also increase disease and illnesses from overpopulation in areas ill-equipped to handle it.

Learn how scientists discovered ways to use lithium to fight climate change.

Final Thoughts on the Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is here. Whether excessive human-created greenhouse gases cause it, the Earth’s natural cycles, or a bit of both, doesn’t change the fact that its consequences on a planet with 8 billion people can be devastating. We know that greenhouse gases are a contributing factor and that decreasing greenhouse gases can reduce the speed and severity of the effects of climate change.

We’ve seen that climate change can cause Greenland to lose 11 billion tons of ice in one day, and that isn’t even the worst of it. How can we shake our heads, ignore that changes are happening, and not make responsible choices to prevent them? Our options don’t need to be extreme. However, they need to be conscientious of future repercussions.

10 Things To Remember When You Lose Your Spark

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Do you ever feel like you’ve just lost your mojo? No matter what you do, things aren’t going right for you. You’re uninspired, unproductive, and upset with the direction your life seems to be taking.

But why does this happen? How can you stop it? Is there any way to get your spark back? Don’t panic!

Here Are 10 Things To Remember When You Lose Your Spark

1. Remember To Keep Going

This is a little easier said than done, but it’s an important factor to remember. The first thing you need to do to keep your thoughts organized when you lose your spark is to keep going.

The motivation to keep moving can be elusive when you feel stuck and like your light has gone out. But stopping is the true death sentence to your spark. You have to push through the difficult times and keep going. It’s tough, but it’s possible with some positive thinking. Tell yourself:

“I have been through bad times before and have always come out again.”
“Things have always gotten better before; I just have to keep going until it does.”
“Everyone has bad times, and this is just one of mine. Good times will come again soon.”
“I should just get started; a tiny amount of progress is better than none.”

2. Remember Who You Are

No, we’re not quoting Lion King here! Often, when you lose your spark, it’s because you’ve also lost a part of yourself. The truth of who you are deep down inside may have become obscured.

This is not unusual because, in life, many different things may begin to throw you off balance, affecting your sense of self. You are met with distractions, struggles, opinions of varying individuals, influences from those you love, and more.

But all is not lost! The person you are is comprised of building blocks, all set upon the foundation of your core values. As such, who you always remain within you, even if the wrong coat of paint goes over them from the wrong sources.

Take the time to reflect on your values and the things you hold dear. Do you feel that you are following those values and doing justice to them? Or have your recent actions contradicted the person that you know you are?

3. Remember To Stay Curious

People like to say that curiosity killed the cat – but that’s because they’ve forgotten the true meaning of the full phrase: “curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.” So, even though you’ve lost your spark, you should never stop being curious.

Think of it this way. Curiosity opens the door to a new place. If that new situation turns out not to be to your liking, the “cat” is “killed” – which sounds bad but just means your interest in the thing in question has “died.” It does cost you time and some effort, but it’s not much to lose, and it’s part of your self-discovery.

But then, when your curiosity opens the door to something you love and are satisfied by, it makes all your other efforts worth it. And there’s scientific truth to this, too. Research indicates that curiosity has positive effects on creativity! So don’t lose that curiosity! You can keep it alive by:

Watching videos on new topics
Going somewhere new
Trying a new cooking recipe
Taking an interesting class
Attempting to learn a new hobby

4. Remember To Fight Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts and negative self-talk are easy to fall into when you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. You may feel like a failure and like you’re letting yourself down. But giving in to these thoughts is an almost guaranteed way to keep your spark down and away.

Tangled and messed up thoughts can cause your self-esteem and positive thinking to plummet quickly. You obsess over all the wrong things and cannot move past them, further dulling your shine.

You can try using positive affirmations to boost your confidence and deflect negative thoughts. These are scientifically proven to help mental and even physical health!

You can also opt to set aside a specific time of day – around 10 minutes – dedicated just to negative thinking. So, for the whole day, whenever you feel a negative thought begin to form, push it away and save it for your Bad Thought Time. You may even have forgotten about it by then!

5. Remember To Rest

Someone who has lost their spark may push themselves extra hard to regain that spark through a project or new venture. It’s not a bad idea, but you must also remember that resting is important.

Forcing yourself to continue working non-stop, or even harder, can harm you more than it helps. You’ll be subjecting yourself to burnout and making it even harder to get back up again. Sometimes, all your spark needs is a little time to recharge. You can:

Treat yourself to a spa day
Go exploring on your own to a new place
Binge-watch shows all-day
Curl up with a good book
Spend all day lying around doing nothing

Resting can help get your spirits back up again, and you may find that when you wake up tomorrow, you’ll be back to your more energized, inspired self.

6. Remember To Make Yourself Happy

Losing your spark can make you beat yourself up, but the spark will never return if you don’t have positive thinking. To make yourself happy, you need to be aware of the following three “f”s:

· Freedom

This involves your ability to do whatever you want (to an extent in life). To feel freedom, you have to feel in control of your situation. Why not do something out of the ordinary today to take back your life’s freedom?

· Fun

We all know that happiness often stems from fun. What can you do to have fun today? Treat yourself to a day dedicated to happiness!

· Fulfillment

This refers to satisfaction, typically at the end of your goals. What smaller thing can you do to help you feel satisfied today? It can be as simple as successfully making a craft or as complex as doing a task you’ve been putting off.

7. Remember To Switch Things Up

If a spark dies under certain circumstances, it will not come back to life. That’s why you need to change things to bring it back to its full fire.

· Change Your Routine

Is every single day exactly the same? Can someone practically set a clock for you? Is it all monotonous and predictable? It’s time to switch things up. Move some of your daily activities around, try a new brand of coffee, eat somewhere new, or take a different route home – it’s up to you!

· Start A Side Project

Is there something you’ve wanted to do but never got around to? Well, there’s no time like the present. Beginning a side project is a great way to add spice to your life and possibly bring back your spark.

· Learn Something New

You’re never too old to learn something new. Take up a new hobby: playing an instrument or doing a new form of exercise. Attend a class about something totally out of your usual field. Again, this adds variety to your life.

Here are five signs you need more self-care.

8. Remember To Connect With Others Meaningfully

A lot of the people we see every day aren’t those with whom we interact meaningfully. You may have relatively shallow relationships with most people in your life without any true meaningful connection.

This doesn’t mean you need to have meaningful connections with every single person out there. But you should attempt to forge meaningful bonds with more than just a couple of people.

How can you do this? Start by being more aware of other people, your actions toward them, and how they affect them. So, the next time you talk to a friend or acquaintance, think about how they act. Do they seem stressed out? Or do you know they’re going through something, and can you see how it’s affecting them?

Do the same with your actions, too. Instead of groaning because you’re running late after listening to someone vent for five minutes, consider how your positive energy may have helped that person, all for just a short time’s worth of effort.

9. Remember To Care For Your Health

A healthy body makes a healthy mind. If you’ve been neglecting your physical health, it’s no surprise that your spark is taking a break. Here are some tips for caring for your health.

· Eat Well

You don’t have to be confined to a restrictive diet plan to eat well. Just ensure you get all the nutrients you need in reasonable amounts, eat good portions, and save treats for the weekend!

· Exercise

Though sadly commonly ignored, exercise is one of the best ways to get positive thinking going again. Once again, you don’t need to work out for hours every day. You can do simple exercises, like taking a walk, going for a swim, or even just dancing. Half an hour of physical activity every day can work wonders!

· Visit Doctors

Don’t neglect your health. Yes, check-ups are expensive, but developing an easily preventable disease is even more expensive.

10. Remember To Appreciate The Ups and Downs

Losing your spark doesn’t have to be permanent. It’s part of life: things go up and down. You can’t have a perfect time forever. More importantly, life is rarely black or white, so there are rarely truly “bad” or “good” times – just ones with fewer or more challenges.

Learning to appreciate the ride, no matter how many difficulties you face, is crucial never to lose your spark. You’re strong enough to overcome just about anything, and if you treat life’s ups and downs similarly, you’ll have no problem maintaining your spark – or not minding that it’s dimmed for a while!

Final Thoughts on Reigniting Your Spark

Losing your spark doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You can regain it with positive life changes, but at the same time, you don’t have to be in a rush to get it back. Take your time and do what you must, but don’t beat yourself up about it! When you least expect it to, your spark will return.

Scientists Reveal That Toad Poison May Treat Addiction and Depression

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Do you know someone who struggles with addiction or depression?

Just in case you haven’t been keeping up, a bit of a psychedelic revival is taking place. And unlike the communal acid trip that was the 1960s, today’s user of hallucinogens is more likely to use for reasons other than as a departure from reality.

(Not to bash on LSD users of the 60s, including military test subjects of MKUltra, the CIA-sponsored military program.)

Perhaps the biggest claim to fame of such drugs is their apparent effectiveness in treating various mental health ailments. If studies and numerous anecdotal accounts are indeed valid, psychedelics are immensely useful in treating anxiety, depression, and even addiction.

One such drug is 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychedelic from the venom of the Incilius alvarius – the Sonoran Desert toad. The Sonoran Desert toad is ubiquitously found throughout Northern Mexico and the Southwest United States. We will talk more about this fascinating creature later.

Before that, we’re going to discuss the resurgence of psychedelics, their documented uses, and this science behind them. We’ll also discuss the early decriminalization efforts currently underway in the United States.

Early Decriminalization Efforts

“Growing up in the Mexican community, this [psychedelic plants] was our cure … These are plants we have known for thousands of years in our community that we continue to use.” ~ Noel Gallon

Psilocybin (pronounced ‘SIGH-LOW-SIGH-BIN’) is a hallucinogenic alkaloid in several Central American mushrooms. Psilocybin is classified as a ‘Schedule I’ controlled substance in the United States. Australia, Canada, the U.K., and most other nations similarly classify psilocybin and other psychedelics.

Per the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Schedule I substances indicate substances “have no accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse.” As we will see, this classification of psilocybin – and perhaps other psychedelics – is fiercely debated and highly questionable.

The dramatic turn of events in Oakland and Denver

This past June, the city council of Oakland, California, passed a resolution decriminalizing the possession and use of psychedelic mushrooms. The city council unanimously passed the measure, which decriminalizes the use of psychoactive mushrooms and ayahuasca, cacti, and iboga.

As radical as such a legal move may seem, Oakland isn’t the first city to ease up on the “magic mushrooms.”

A few weeks prior, Denver passed the ‘Denver Psilocybin Mushroom Initiative.’ Per Ballotpedia, the Initiative makes “the adult possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms the lowest low enforcement priority” in the city. Moreover, seeking prosecution for the “personal use and personal possession” of psilocybin mushrooms for people 21 and older is deprioritized.

The commonalities shared between the Oakland and Denver legalization efforts are evident. Supporters of both measures point to the plants being a natural alternative to prescription medicine’s side effects and costs. Moreover, say proponents, these plants promote healing and have done so for centuries. They also point to the growing body of research demonstrating these benefits.

A State-wide Legalization Effort Could De-Criminalize and Help Those With Depression

If a married couple in Oregon has their way, The Beaver State will be the first to legalize the use of psychedelic compounds. Per a story in The Oregonian, the state is “one step closer” to achieving this goal. Unlike previous efforts in Denver and Oakland, the ‘Psilocybin Service Initiative’ (or ‘Initiative Petition #34’ seeks full legalization*.

Spearheading the Petition 34 effort is Thomas Eckert and wife Sherry. Both are mental health therapists. Thomas says, “Where typical pharma-type interventions fall short, psilocybin is breaking through with pretty amazing frequency,”

“The initiative [Petition #34] attempts to reflect evolving … standards in relation to [the] safety and effectiveness [of psilocybin mushrooms] as established by scientific research at top universities,” says Eckert.

*Decriminalization is different than legalization in that the former doesn’t permit the manufacturing and sale of the substance, whereas the latter does.

The Research on Depression

“Accumulating evidence suggests that psilocybin with … psychological support … can be used safely to treat a range of psychiatric conditions…” ~ Harris-Carhart, R.L., Et. al

In a 2017 study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers tested the effects of psilocybin on 19 patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is a condition wherein “Standard treatments may not help much at all … or … symptoms may improve, only to keep coming back.”

Per the study, all 19 patients experienced a reduction in their depressive symptoms. Forty-seven percent met the clinical definition of recovery within just five weeks.

Scientists measured the mechanisms of action with functional resonance imaging (fMRI). fMRI is an imaging technology that detects changes in brain activity by measuring alterations of blood flow within the brain. A decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) manifested in the amygdala, a pair of tiny, almond-shaped structures in the limbic system.

The amygdala is most commonly associated with fear and, more specifically, the fight-or-flight response — a decrease in blood flow to the amygdala links to reducing depressive symptoms.

Interestingly, the chemical structure of psilocybin is “related” to that of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the gut and brain that links to a sense of mental balance and well-being.

From Mushrooms to Toads

The Colorado River Toad is a venomous amphibian with the psychedelic compound ‘5-MeO-DMT.’ You can also find the hallucinogenic in several plant species. According to research, 5-MeO is four to six times more potent than its close relative DMT.

Before being tested as an anxiety and depression reliever, 5-MeO induced spiritual experiences in South America. Indeed, some Native tribes in South America still use it to this day. The dogma of a religious group called the Church of the Tree of Life uses the psychedelic as a sacrament.

A synthesized form of 5-MeO was even used in the Caribbean and South American snuff. In the U.S., between 1970 and 1990, 5-MeO was distributed onto parsley and smoked as the primary means of ingestion.

In a study published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, researchers recruited 362 participants to test for any potential therapeutic uses of 5-MeO. Of these, 41 percent disclosed a depression diagnosis. Furthermore, 48 percent reported an anxiety diagnosis.

Eighty percent of the depression group reported improvements following 5-MeO use. Seventy-nine percent of subjects with anxiety said the same.

Here are some of the demographic statistics from the study:

Average age: 47.7 years
Gender: 55 percent male, 45 percent female
Race: White Caucasian (84 percent)

Treating Addiction

In another study published in the journal Scientific Reports, Brazilian researchers cite “cognitive gains, antidepressant effects, and changes in the brain areas related to attention” with 5-MeO use. Additionally, the research team found a reduction in the levels of addiction receptors in the brain/ such a finding suggests that the compound may be beneficial in treating substance abuse addiction.

In the results of a survey published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, 66 percent of respondents who self-reported psychiatric disorders experienced improvements in alcohol-related symptoms. Furthermore, others saw improvements in other causative symptoms, including post-traumatic stress disorder (79 percent), depression (77 percent), anxiety (69 percent), and drug use disorder (60 percent).

The research team concludes:

“Findings suggest … 5-MeO-DMT … has [a] low potential for addiction, and might have psychotherapeutic effects.”

Gosh, that sounds familiar!

Final Thoughts: Release the ‘shrooms (and toads)

In a review of “The abuse potential of medical psilocybin” published in the journal Neuropharmacology, a group of researchers from Johns Hopkins University cites the following after reviewing a vast trove of literature regarding the safety and efficacy of psilocybin (and, once may presume, 5-MeO-DMT):

[1] Human and animal studies indicate ‘low abuse and no physical dependence’ for psilocybin mushrooms.

[2] Nationwide surveys point to ‘low rates of abuse, treatment-seeking, and harm.’

[3] Psilocybin provides documented therapeutic effects.

[4] Psilocybin should be scheduled no more restrictively than Schedule IV.

Right now, psilocybin mushrooms are a Schedule I drug.

Once again, Schedule I drugs are those that “have no accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse.”

Wrong, wrong, and wrong.

Most evidence points to a few hallucinogens, including psilocybin and 5-MeO, as not only not addictive but, as Johns Hopkins researchers note, a very promising treatment for addiction.

Ten Powerful Ways to Recover from an Addiction

Final Thoughts on Dealing With Depression

Anxiety and depression are, by far, the most prevalent mental health disorders in the U.S. (and the world).
Psychiatric disorders account for nearly one in every four instances of disease globally.
Depression costs the U.S. economy alone more than $200 billion per year.
Many antidepressant medications aren’t beneficial. They also have terrible side effects and are addictive.
Per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), drug abuse (primarily alcohol abuse) and addiction is “a significant factor” that leads to suicides and suicide attempts.
Opiates, many Schedule II drugs, account for 20 percent of all suicide deaths in the United States. Moreover, that equals over 8,000 suicides annually or around 22 per day.

So what do depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and addiction all have in common? They’re treatable with psychedelics!

These examples could go on and on, but we’d be here for a long time.

In a few words: Not permitting medical professionals to administer psilocybin, 5-MeO-DET, or some other well-researched psychedelic to patients desperate for psychological healing is not only wrong. In fact, it’s insane.

10 Signs Children Exhibit When Being Targeted By A Bully

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

No parent wants to think about their child being bullied, but it’s an unfortunate reality for kids everywhere. A bully has nothing to do with their worth as a person or your skills as a parent. Bad people exist, and you just have to cope with them when they cross your path.

The first step is identifying all of the signs and symptoms of a bullied child. You’ll need to know the facts before you can move forward with actions.

If you suspect that your child is dealing with a bully, here are some of the biggest warning signs.

10 Warning Signs of a Bully That Every Parent Needs to Know

1. Sudden Changes to Their Routine

This should be a red flag for parents who are concerned about bullies. If your child wants to make sudden, unexplained changes to long-standing routines, you need to ask why.

Why don’t they want to ride the bus anymore? And why are they taking the “long way” around parks, playgrounds and other areas where children congregate? Why do they want to quit a dance class that they’ve always loved?

These things aren’t automatic signs that your child is struggling with a bully. For example, they might have decided that riding the bus is just uncool.

If you notice other signs of bullying, however, this one is usually spotted in conjunction with them. Kids often try to deal with the problem on their own rather than getting the adults involved. It might be because of embarrassment or shame, or it might come from a fear of retaliation from the bully. Either way, they’ll try to avoid and minimize the situation instead of talking about it.

2. Ignoring Texts and Phone Calls

Cyberbullying is on the rise. In fact, it might even be more of a problem than “traditional” bullying. While 25 percent of children report being bullied in a general sense, that number climbs to 43 percent when online harassment is included.

Cyberbullying can take many forms, including:

– Hurtful messages on social media

– Targeted attacks through texts, calls, apps, blogs, and forums

– Photoshopped images or messages

– Hacked accounts being used to impersonate the victim

– Private photos being spread to others

– Spamming or dog-piling the victim with constant abuse

Cyberbullying is a serious and insidious problem, and solving it is a lot more complicated than just “turn the computer off.” If you suspect that your child is being cyberbullied, you’ll have some work to do.

3. Tears and Tantrums

Children aren’t able to regulate their emotions like adults. When they’re upset about something, they might run the full spectrum of fear, sadness, anger, anxiety, shame, and depression.

Parents should be on the alert for children who have sudden and dramatic mood swings. They should also be prepared for emotions and reactions that don’t make sense in a particular context. This is called emotional transference, and it’s why a child might cry like the world is ending just because they dropped their food on the floor.

The food isn’t the real issue. It’s just the straw that breaks the camel’s back. It’s emotional trauma, and it needs to be recognized and addressed.

4. A decline in Academic Performance

This one is tricky because it can have many causes. For example, an undiagnosed learning disorder can affect your child’s grades just as much as a bad teacher or a poor classroom environment. It isn’t always the result of bullying.

As with the other things on this list, however, a decline in academic performance can be a red flag if you’re seeing other symptoms of bullying as well. Their tormentor might be stealing their homework, ruining their textbooks or distracting them in class. They might be stalking them in the halls and preventing them from going places like the library or the computer lab. They might just be making your child’s life so miserable that they can’t concentrate on anything.

Talk to your kids if their report card isn’t up to par. You should be doing that anyway, but it’s especially important if you suspect that bullying might be the reason for it.

5. Physical Symptoms of Pain and Fear

Bruises, of course, are one of the biggest signs that you’re dealing with a bully. But not every child comes home with a black eye. There are other, smarter ways that bullies torment their victims while leaving less evidence:

– Scratches

– Torn clothing

– Impact marks from books, shoes, rulers or athletic balls

– Missing items that have been stolen or damaged

– Bruises from falling or being shoved

Some bullies don’t leave marks at all, but your child will still have a physical response to the psychological trauma. They’ll struggle with things like headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and insomnia because of their fear and anxiety over the bullying. Don’t ignore these warning signs.

6. Violent Behavior

It isn’t uncommon for the aggressive behavior of a bully to start rubbing off on the victim. When they’re exposed to this kind of sustained, repeated violence, they start normalizing it. They start seeing it as an acceptable way to solve problems. The same thing happens with child abuse victims.

Is your child having sudden problems with aggression? Are they being too rough with their siblings, or are they lashing out at you when you try to make them do chores or mind their manners? Are they using bad language?

They learned this behavior somewhere. It might be from a movie or a bad influence in their friend group, but it might also be from a bully. Watch out for it.

7. Changes to Their Eating Habits

There are two ways that bullying can affect your child’s appetite:

– They might not want to eat. This could be the result of either real injuries or faked illnesses to try and avoid school. Some children might even try to make themselves sick by not eating or drinking.

– They might develop a sudden and ferocious appetite. This could be the result of bullies ruining their food, stealing their lunch money or making them avoid public places like the cafeteria or restroom. Your child might not want to risk it, so they starve themselves until they get home and binge.

Changes in someone’s appetite are almost always a cause for concern. If your kid is experiencing it, figure out why.

8. Isolation

Does your child seem lonely? Are they spending more and more time at home instead of hanging out with friends? Have they dropped teams, clubs, and activities that they used to enjoy?

Isolation can be both self-imposed and group-imposed. Your child might be hiding in their room because they don’t want to deal with the bullies lurking outside, or they might be the subject of shunning or ostracizing by others.

Groupthink is very prevalent in schools. Bullying victims often bear the brunt of it. Their own friends might start to avoid them to escape the social stigma.

If your child is spending more time curled under the covers than running around outside, talk to them about it. See if you can gently poke around the issue and figure out why they aren’t engaging with peers and playmates. There’s always a reason, so parents should make it a priority to find it.

9. Self-Esteem Issues

This is another symptom that can be hard to diagnose, especially in teenagers. Puberty is a bully in its own right. How do you know when your child is calling themselves ugly because of a classmate’s words or a period’s hormones?

One way to tell is if their complaints are very specific. If they repeatedly criticize the same thing about their body, they might be getting teased about it.

Another sign is if their self-confidence problems are coming hot on the heels of other bullying symptoms. If they’re suddenly putting themselves down while coming home with bruises and quitting all of their clubs, parents should be able to put two and two together.

Talk to your child about having good self-esteem. Teach them body positivity and other mental health wellness strategies. The lessons that you give them now can impact their way of thinking for years to come.

10. Spending More Time With You

Most parents are thrilled at the thought of their kids wanting to hang out with them. But are the kids doing it for the right reasons?

Do they genuinely love movie nights, or do they just lack any other options for things to do on the weekend? Are they using family time as a crutch or an excuse to avoid social situations with their peers? Do they get disproportionately upset when you suggest that they spend time with other kids instead of you?

All parents want to have a good, healthy relationship with their children, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of having good and healthy relationships with other kids their own age. If something is out of balance, you’ll want to figure out why.

Final Thoughts on the Role of Parents in Recognizing a Bully

Bullying is a complex problem that can take a lot of effort to recognize and stop. If your child is suffering, however, ignoring the problem just isn’t an option. Use this checklist as a parent’s first line of defense against a bully and start brainstorming an action plan from there.

Which of the 16 Myers Briggs Personality Types Are You?

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

History of Meyer’s Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Isabel Myers and her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs, developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. After studying personality differences in people around them, they became fascinated by personalities. Because they wanted a better method to differentiate between the personality types, Briggs started her research in 1917 to establish a better understanding.

Carl Jung had similar ideas about personalities, but his were much more developed. He came to the conclusion that people were either introverted or extroverted. Later on, he described human behavior as a combination of four psychic functions: feeling vs thinking and sensation vs intuition. Briggs found his work fascinating and wanted to bring it to a larger audience. Her main goal was to help people understand themselves better so they could live life to their full potential.

Around the time of WWII, Myers saw a great need for the personality test. Because many women were entering the workforce for the first time, she saw the necessity. Myers believed that perhaps if people understood themselves and each other better, there would be more unity and less conflict.

Plus, she wanted people to use their natural gifts. That’s because this clarity could ensure they enjoyed their work rather than despising it.

The MBTI instrument was first published in 1962 after years of painstaking research. While neither woman had training in psychology, the test was embraced by corporations to help understand and place their employees.

Cook-Briggs: A lifetime commitment to her research

Cook-Briggs spent her entire life “(enabling) individuals to grow through an understanding and appreciation of individual differences in healthy personalities and enhance harmony and productivity in diverse groups.”

When her mother passed away in 1968, Isabel Myers continued her legacy by further advancing their work. Myers’ efforts certainly paid off. In fact, millions of people around the world have taken the MBTI test. It’s been officially translated into over 30 languages.

The MBTI “describes differences in how people approach the world, take in information, and make decisions.”

The MBTI instrument is currently implemented in businesses, government, and school settings. Most importantly, it shows people invaluable information about themselves and others.

Factors in Determining Personality Types

There are 16 possible personality types, which are scored based upon preferences in four areas:

Where you get your energy from: Do you gain energy from being around others or from being alone? On the other hand, do you construct your world based on outer or inner information? This is labeled Extroversion (‘E’) or Introversion (‘I’).
How you perceive information: Do you collect information based on your five senses. Conversely, do you observe patterns and trust your gut? This is labeled Sensing (‘S’) or Intuition (‘N’).
How you make decisions: When making decisions, do you look at logic and human values? Or, do you go by your own emotions about things? Scientists label this as Thinking (‘T’) or Feeling (‘F’).
How you view the world: In daily life, do you enjoy a more structured existence. On the other hand, are you more of a “go with the flow” type? Researchers label this as Judging (‘J’) or Perceiving (‘P’).

So, which of the 16 types are you?

First, remember that there are no right or wrong personality types. Also, there are no best answers on the tests. The personality indicator is simply a way for you to understand yourself and your preferences.

Secondly, everyone exists on a spectrum when it comes to personality, meaning it’s quite fluid and not absolute. However, your personality will lean toward one function over another.

Third, keep in mind that your personality type will be represented by four letters, such as ESFP, INFP, ISTJ, etc.

So, with that said, let’s get to it! Below, we’ve listed all 16 personality types, along with descriptions of each and possibly occupations.

EXTROVERTS

1 – ESFJ

Otherwise known as the Consul, this type is popular, making up around 12% of the population. In high school, they might’ve been the cheerleader or quarterback, enjoying the spotlight and leadership required for their role. In fact, they are outgoing and enjoy helping people.

Happy, conscientious, loyal, harmonizing, “people-person,” sociable, tactful, warm.

Jobs: Elementary teacher, Childcare provider, School Administrator, Health Care Administrator, Special Needs Teacher/Assistant.

2 – ESTJ

Known as Executives, these people enjoy order and tradition. Thus, they excel at bringing people together and make wonderful community organizers.

Logical, organized, assertive, practical, results-oriented, analytical, systematic, responsible.

Jobs: Military/Police Officer, Stockbroker, Sales Manager, Real Estate Agent, Chef, Office Manager.

3 – ESFP

The natural Entertainer, this type loves the spotlight and has plenty of friends. In addition, they enjoy the finer things in life and enjoy showing others a great time.

Accepting, cooperative, friendly, passionate, commonsensical, loving, realistic, fun.

Jobs: Social Worker, Psychologist, Counselor, Mental Health Professional, Teacher, Scientist, Journalist, Physical Trainer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, Artist.

4 – ESTP

Known as the Entrepreneur, this type is naturally curious about the world around them and thrives on coming up with solutions to problems. They are natural risk-takers as well.

Energetic, flexible, spontaneous, “hands-on,” pragmatic, tolerant, hardworking, skillful.

Jobs: Carpenter, Mechanic, Building Inspector, Landscape Architect, Surveyor, Forester, Teacher (especially shop or home economics).

5 – ENTJ

Called the Commander, this type only makes up 3% of the population. This type is made up of natural-born leaders.

Assertive, critical, logical, strategic, visionary, initiating, planner, organized.

Jobs: Accountant, Community Organizer, Loan Officer, Marketing Manager, IT Professional, Executive.

6 – ENTP

Called the Debater, these people have a quick wit and need to have a thorough understanding of a topic before forming an opinion.

Practical, straightforward, decisive, quick-witted, outspoken, resourceful, analytical.

Jobs: Entrepreneur, HR Recruiter, Architect, Engineer, Geologist, Detective, Public Administrator, Director, Social Scientist.

7 – ENFJ

The Protagonist, this type loves to inspire and encourage others. Indeed, they do not feel satisfied unless they are actively helping people in some way.

Sociable, expressive, enthusiastic, idealistic, imaginative, conscientious, warm, and tactful.

Jobs: Teacher, Counselor, Therapist, Administrator, Sales Representative, Politician.

8 – ENFP

The Campaigner, this type is a free spirit and loves making deep, meaningful connections with the people around them.

Warm, enthusiastic, imaginative, appreciative, supportive, spontaneous, flexible, wordsmith.

Jobs: Counselor, Non-profit executive, Trainer, Human Rights Lawyer, Community Organizer, HR Director.

INTROVERTS

9 – ISTJ

Known as the Logistician, this type is very logical and analytical. They make sound decisions based on their observations of the world around them. Furthermore, they are steady and reliable people.

Dependable, serious, quiet, realistic, thorough, logical, focused, orderly, traditional.

Jobs: Military/Police, Attorney, Accountant, Manager, Economist, Farmer/Rancher, Librarian, Mortician

10 – ISTP

The Virtuoso, this type greatly enjoys creating and building things. They have a knack for bringing something to life based on their understanding of how moving parts work together for a greater purpose.

Flexible, tolerant, quiet, analyzing, practical, fact-oriented, efficient.

Jobs: Carpenter, Mechanic, Surveyor, Landscape Architect, Forester, Rancher/Farmer, Quality Assurance.

11 – ISFJ

Known as the Defender, this type has great people skills and will protect family and friends with their life.

Conscientious, friendly, responsible, loyal, committed, stead, precise, sensitive.

Jobs: Dentist, Family Physician, Nurse, Speech Pathologist, Therapist, Veterinarian, Health Care Aid.

12 – ISFP

The Adventurer, this type is spontaneous, unpredictable, and creative. They don’t like following social norms. Instead, they choose to make up the rules as they go.

Kind, friendly, creative sensitive, loyal, idealistic, conflict-averse, quiet, respectful.

Jobs: Artist, Chef, Cosmetologist, Interior Designer, Jeweler, Fashion Designer/Executive, Writer/Poet.

13 – INFJ

Let’s start by noting that INFJ is the rarest personality type, making up only 1% of the population. Known as the Advocate, this type is idealistic. However, they do not go to the extent that it takes them away from reality. Thus, they can easily take their ideas and bring about a great change in the world.

Decisive, insightful, committed, clarity of mind, humanitarian, organized.

Jobs: Clinical Psychologist, Counselor, Speech Pathologist, Clergyman/Clergywoman, Social Worker, Poet/Writer.

14 – INFP

Known as the Mediator, this is also a rare personality type, making up around 3-4% of the population. In fact, they are true idealists. Moreover, they have a passion for helping others and bringing their inner world to life.

Idealistic, curious, loyal, adaptable, flexible, accepting, understanding, promoting.

Jobs: Author, English Teacher, Counselor, Non-profit executive, Physical Therapist, Psychologist, Massage Therapist.

15 – INTP

The Logician, this type perfectly combines creativity with logic. Because of that trait, they love to examine patterns and spot discrepancies between statements.

Abstract, logical, theoretical, adaptable, contained, quiet, skeptical, analytical.

Jobs: Computer Scientist, Graphic Designer, Musician, Editor, Photographer, Lawyer, Physician.

16 – INTJ

Known as the Architect, this type is very analytical yet imaginative. In fact, they are usually called bookworms in school because of their insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Original, innovative, independent, skeptical, competent, driven.

Jobs: Accountant, Analyst, Statistician/Mathematician, Editor, Photographer, Technical Writer, Professor, Construction Manager.

Final thoughts about the 16 Personality Types

In conclusion, the personality types were created as a way for women to understand the type of work they were best suited for when they entered the workforce after WWII. However, the test has various applications in today’s world. Businesses, governments, and schools use it today. That’s because this measure helps them understand people better and help their employees or students perform to the best of their ability.

Finally, we hope you learned something useful about your personality type. If you’d like to take the test, you can do so here.

Yogi Explains What Happens to Your Body When You Do Yoga Every Day

December 4, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Yoga is an exercise that dates back for thousands of years and continually gains popularity as time goes on. It is a technique that uses breathing, poses, and stretching to help connect your mind and body while physically exercising at the same time. Often, yogis pair this exercise with meditation, allowing for an even deeper connection between your psyche and body and offering inner-healing.

This exercise is more than just physical activity that connects your mind and body, however. In fact, it offers many other health benefits, as well. This exercise helps with diabetes, mental health, asthma, back pain, and many other issues. Each part of your body is affected by this exercise in different ways. But it all points back to your overall well being, both physically and mentally.

The benefits of the exercise are almost endless, and the practice is easy for a beginner to learn. As your comfort and expert level increases, so will the number of poses you can do correctly. Before jumping in, however, it is essential to know what happens to your body when you do yoga daily.

What Happens to Your Body When You Do Yoga Daily

1. You improve flexibility

Being more flexible is one of the first benefits that you are likely to notice. If you can’t do so before, you likely won’t be able to touch your toes or bend backward after just one session, but you will notice a gradual change as you continuously practice. This increase in flexibility will gradually loosen your body so that aches and pains begin to disappear.

2. Decreases inflammation

When inflammation occurs in the body, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases or cancer. This exercise can help reduce C-reactive proteins from the blood, which are proteins that are directly related to inflammation and are produced in vast quantities when you are stressed. Cardiovascular diseases and stress aren’t the only diseases to worry about, however, because inflammation can also cause cancer.

3. Reduces stress

The C-reactive proteins mentioned above (see #2) are produced in enormous quantities when you are stressed, which could lead to inflammation. This exercise lowers the number of stress hormones that are produced by the central nervous system, and the meditation portion further relaxes you.

Meditation helps your body release oxytocin (a feel-good hormone) in the brain by encouraging you to relax, slow your breathing, and focus on your body. It is calming and restorative while helping you to think more clearly.

4. Yoga reduces pains and aches

With 80% of people in the United States suffering from back pain at one point or another, this benefit will likely appeal to you. Doctors say that after just six exercise sessions, you should notice a decrease in back pain. Other sources of pain that you may alleviate through this exercise include:

arthritis
back pain
carpal tunnel syndrome
fibromyalgia

5. You’ll build strength

Strong muscles can protect you from arthritis, back pain, and they can prevent falls. Additionally, this exercise builds inner strength by connecting your mind and body and helping you focus your thoughts more positively.

6. Improves posture

Your head is heavy, but when it is positioned perfectly over your straight spine, it is less for your neck and back muscles to keep up. If you don’t have it positioned perfectly, however, those neck and back muscles have to strain, causing fatigue, back pain, neck pain, and other joint and muscle problems.

7. Yoga promotes cartilage and joint health

This exercise allows your joints to go through all of the motions, preventing degenerative arthritis and other disabling issues. It also allows the areas of typically unused cartilage to be moved, which will enable it to get the nutrients it requires to stay healthy.

8. Protects your bones, including your spine

This benefit ties in with the last one (# 7), as it is partially related to cartilage health. Without healthy cartilage, your bones may be left completely exposed to one another, which could cause them to grind and painful wear down. This exercise also strengthens bones that don’t often get attention, reducing the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis.

The spine protection comes mostly from the flexibility that is gained, but also from the cartilage health, as well. The flexibility benefits your spinal disks, which absorb shock between each vertebra. The spinal disks get their nutrients through movement, making backbends, forward bends, twists, and other beneficial actions an excellent option for spinal health.

9. Yoga improves sleep

Your nervous system needs downtime, and this exercise allows for that. When this happens, you will be able to sleep better and be less tired during the day. Thus, better quality sleep will lower your stress levels and reduce the chances of having an injury.

10. Helps with breathing

Those who do this exercise regularly tend to take fewer breaths that are deeper throughout their day, encouraging calmness and efficiency. Additionally, this exercise increases your overall lung function through more efficient exhalation and being able to inhale more air. The practice also encourages nose breathing, which filters the air before you breathe it into your lungs.

11. Leads to a healthier digestive system

Twisting positions are said to promote waste to move more quickly and effectively, while the stress-reducing aspects of the exercise can help with other digestive system issues.

Any digestive system problem that becomes worse when you are stressed out can be eased by daily exercise, and the risk of other disorders or diseases are lessened. This exercise can help relieve or prevent:

ulcers
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
constipation
colon cancer

12. Yoga increases blood flow through your body

The relaxation that comes along with this exercise helps improve blood circulation throughout your entire body but, most specifically, in your hands and feet. Plus, specific movements of the exercise help boost hemoglobin and red blood cells, which are both full of oxygen for your tissues.

Twisting poses get deoxygenated blood out of organs and other areas. On the other hand, twisting back allows oxygenated blood to flow into those areas. Finally, inverted poses with your legs in the air allow deoxygenated blood to leave the legs and refill with oxygenated blood.

Additionally, this increase in blood flow leads to thinner blood by making the platelets less sticky. This can help reduce the risk of blood clots, substantially decreasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other deadly diseases.

13. Boosts your immune system

To properly fight off infection, destroy cancer cells, get rid of toxic waste, and encourage proper cell function, a fluid full of immune cells must drain. This fluid is called lymph, and it helps your lymphatic system and immune system work properly.

14. Yoga regulates blood sugar

This exercise lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol, which leads to a healthier blood sugar level. Another way that it regulates blood sugar is through weight loss, which will likely occur if you are exercising daily.

Regulating your blood sugar levels can decrease your risk of diabetes and diabetic complications such as:

heart attack
kidney failure
becoming blind

15. Encourages mental focus

The meditation component helps you to focus on the present while connecting your mind and body. When you do this, you may notice an improvement in your coordination, memory, and reaction time. Some types of meditation also promote an increase in your problem-solving abilities and your ability to recall information.

How to Start Doing Yoga

Once you are ready to make the jump and exercise daily, you will need to know where to go to learn. This answer is easy, as there is an option for every person.

You can look online for a local class that you can sign up for or find a private instructor to teach you. If you’d rather not leave your home, however, you can watch instructional videos to learn the poses. You can buy a specific video, or you can look on YouTube for an instructional yoga video.

Final Thoughts on the Positive Impacts of Performing Yoga Daily

The physical and mental benefits of yoga and meditation make this exercise one of the most popular, allowing those who practice the opportunity to improve their overall well-being. Each area of your body will be affected positively, with one area linking to the next.

This exercise may seem daunting at first, especially if you are watching experts do the poses, but it is quite easy for beginners. If you begin doing it daily, you will quickly find your favorite poses, which will help you with more advanced sessions in time.

As you learn more, you will become more flexible and balanced. Next, you’ll begin to perfect some of the poses. Consequently, you will find yourself loving it more and more. When you do yoga daily, the benefits will be noticed more quickly, allowing for better health overall.

The Community

Our Free Community of Positively Powerful SuperFans

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!