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31 Best Positivity Quotes to Send You Love And Light

September 12, 2019 by Power of Positivity

These positivity quotes may help you live a longer, happier, healthier life. It’s true!

According to Dr. Barbara L. Fredrickson of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, it is vital to stay positive.

“Positive emotions expand our awareness and open us up to new ideas, so we can grow and add to our toolkit for survival.” ~Dr Barbara Fredrickson

People with a negative attitude about life will likely attract negative energies from others.

Here’s a fun fact about remaining positive. Simply looking on the bright side has a powerful effect on your life.

People with high levels of emotional wellness and who can deal with swings in mood and circumstances are known as resilient. Emotionally healthy people can stay positive longer and can more easily bounce back from an adverse event. People who think positively have lower rates of mental illness. They are also more likely to be able to ward off chronic illnesses and diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Use these 31 positivity quotes to help guide yourself to a more balanced view of life. These positivity quotes come from various thinkers, artists, musicians, and poets. They will help you create a life filled with joy and clarity.

Positivity Quotes to Brighten Your Day

1. “The only place where your dreams become impossible is in your own thinking.” – Robert H Shuller

2. “Fall seven times and stand up eight.” – Anonymous

3. “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey

4. “Optimism is the most important human trait because it allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow.” – Seth Godin

5. “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

6. “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” — Willie Nelson

7. “You can’t make positive choices for the rest of your life without an environment that makes those choices easy, natural, and enjoyable.” — Deepak Chopra

8. “In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” — Les Brown

9. “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so let us all be thankful.” — Buddha

10. “Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there’s a tomorrow. Maybe for you there’s one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it. But for some of us there’s only today. And the truth is, you never really know.” –Lauren Oliver

11. “Perfectionism is the enemy of happiness. Embrace being perfectly imperfect. Learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself, you’ll be happier. We make mistakes because we are imperfect. Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself, and keep moving forward.” –Roy T. Bennett

12. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” –Bob Marley

The Best Quotes on Positivity to Inspire You

13. “Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come… The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present, and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.” –Audrey Hepburn

14. “How can you tell a man there’s nothing to do? I can’t imagine a situation in which there could ever be nothing to do! Do it for mankind and don’t worry about the rest. There’s so much to do that a lifetime won’t be enough, if you look around attentively.” –Fyodor Dostoyevsky

15. “After all that I’d been through, after all that I’d learned and all that I’d been given, I was going to do what I had been doing every day for the last few years now: just show up and do the best that I could do with whatever lay in front of me.” –Michael J. Fox

16. “It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses, we must plant more roses.” –George Eliot

17. “When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.” –Shannon L. Alder

18. “I promise you that the same stuff galaxies are made of, you are. The same energy that swings planets around stars makes electrons dance in your heart. It is in you, outside you, you are it. It is beautiful. Trust in this. And your life will be grand.” –Kamal Ravikant

19. “So, let us reflect what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that. The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren’t born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities—warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful—happier.” –Dalai Lama XIV

20. “Affirmations are our mental vitamins, providing the supplementary positive thoughts we need to balance the barrage of negative events and thoughts we experience daily.” –Tia Walker

21. “If you see the world and yourself through a lens smudged by negativity then you’ll find much misery. If you look outwards and inwards through lens brightened by positivity you’ll find much to be happy and appreciative about.” –Henrik Edberg

22. “If you want to bring the world closer to peace, be a peacemaker by creating peace whenever you can. If you find yourself engaged in an argument that only stirs anger in the heart, quickly make peace and carry on.” –Suzy Kassem

23. “Leave that room, kid. Shut the screen off. Take your dirty shoes, not the pretty ones, and go out to feel the wind. Touch water. Touch earth. Touch wood, touch skin, touch everything you can touch and memorize everything because that’s all you will live off in the end, and that’s all you will need.” –Charlotte Eriksson

24. “I can only imagine how happy life would be if we could stay so grounded in our faith that we would never waver in our positive attitudes.” –Tracie Miles

25. “Don’t be a reflection of your depression, your dark, or your ugly. Reflect what you want. Your light, your beauty, & your strength. Aspire for greatness – reflect who you are; not which deficits you maintain. Showcase the hidden treasures.” –Tiffany Luard

26. “Happiness is loving your enemies.” –Charles M. Schultz

27. “You aren’t responsible for the way your face looks, but you’re responsible for the face you’re making.” –Coluche

28. “It’s easy to be hard on yourself, but true self-love also lies in forgiving yourself when your plans get disrupted—life happens. Surrender and keep pushing.” –Martika Shanel

29. “I didn’t play the cards I was dealt. I changed the cards.” –Kanye West

30. “If you are waking up believing that there is more to life than there is, then there is more for you out there.” –Oscar Auliq-Ice

31. “Spreading positivity is the best remedy for a poisoned spirit.” –Giovannie de Sadeleer

Take Comfort from These Positive Thinking Quotes

It may be challenging to keep your mind focused on positive thoughts sometimes. Therefore, it is essential to keep this daily practice in mind. When we go forward with gratitude for the blessings we have been given, we can put negative thoughts in perspective.

When you build mental resilience using these positivity quotes, you will have an easier time focusing on what is truly important in life.

Positivity quotes are a great way to focus your And, they can help you pinpoint some negative thinking that may be holding you back. So when you keep these positive quotes in mind, you will be able to face the challenges in your life with a fresh attitude.

8 Symptoms of Kidney Stones to Never Ignore

September 12, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Whenever the minerals and salt contained in your kidneys start to crystallize into stones, these are called kidney stones. This is usually due to an imbalance. When you’re lacking water or urine in your system, those minerals start sticking together. Once they’ve solidified, these stones can start to break off and flow into your urinary tract every time that you use the restroom.

Passing stones can be extremely painful, depending on their size. Some can be as tiny as a pinhole while others can expand as far as 10 mm. Smaller stones that remain in the kidney usually go unnoticed but once a stone travels from your ureter to your bladder, the discomfort begins.

Fortunately, having a stone in your kidney usually causes no permanent damage if you catch them on time. Situations will vary, but standard treatment includes drinking lots of water to pass the stones and taking pain medication when necessary. However, in more severe cases, surgery will be needed to remove stones that have become stuck in the urinary tract, stones that have begun to cause complications, or if you have an infection.

If you have been experiencing excruciating pain, especially while urinating, you may be experiencing kidney stones. Here are 8 symptoms that you may experience while passing stones.

8 Symptoms of Kidney Stones

1 – Back, belly, or side pain

The pain from kidney stones has often been described as one of the most painful experiences that one can imagine, frequently compared to childbirth or being impaled. This pain is so severe, it is responsible for nearly 1 million visits to the emergency room every year. (1)

The pain usually begins when the accumulated mineral deposits in the kidney start traveling into the ureter – this is the tube that transports urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Because this tube is very narrow, the stones can create a blockage, causing a build-up of pressure inside of your kidney.

These blockages will result in intense pain, a distress signal from your body alerting you that kidney has an obstruction. The most intense areas will be along your side, under your ribs, or in your back. Eventually, as the stone passes, it will start navigating to other areas, such as your stomach or groin. The pain usually happens in waves, due to a contraction of your uterus as you try to push the stones out.

2 – Pain during urination

If you notice that you are having a sharp or burning pain during urination, this could be another sign that you are passing stones. This happens because your body is trying to move them through your urinary tract.

However, painful urination could also be a symptom of a urinary tract infection as well. Just to be sure, ask your doctor for a urine test. Blood or imaging tests can also be administered to detect the presences of stones in your kidney.

3 – Constantly needing to urinate

Frequent urination is another symptom that you should look out for. This signals that your stones are moving to the lower part of your urinary tract. Constant bathroom breaks are also another symptom that kidney
stones share with UTIs, so you may also need your doctor to check for infection in your urinary tract.

4 – Blood in urine

A common symptom associated with passing stones is hematuria, also known as blood in the urine. The color of the blood will vary from pink, red, or brown. Sometimes, this blood may only be detectable through a microscopic examination of your urine or with dipstick testing.

5 – Your urine is cloudy or smells unpleasant

Because stones in the kidney often form due to a lack of hydration, they can affect the odor of your urine. If you notice that the smell is extremely strong and unpleasant, it is a sign that you may have an infection that needs to be treated. And usually, this is the case. Many people who come in for stones tend to also have UTIs.

Furthermore, the bacteria that is responsible for UTIs can also alter the smell of urine. In addition to a bad smell, you may notice that it is also cloudy looking. Cloudiness is a sign that you have pus in your urine, which is another symptom of infection in your urinary tract.

6 – Low urine volume

Depending on the size of your kidney stone, you may experience an obstruction in your ureter. This could ultimately stop the flow of your urine and cause your kidneys to swell.

If you notice that your urine has dwindled down to a trickle or has stopped completely, this is considered a medical emergency and you get help immediately. You will need assistance with having it removed before it causes complications.

7 – Nausea and vomiting

There are several reasons that you could be experiencing nausea and vomiting when you have stones in your urinary tract and kidneys.

Passing stones is an extremely painful experience. For some, their body’s natural response to intense pain is vomiting.

Another reason that you may experience nausea is due to urine blockage. When you’re unable to pee, it can start to back up in your kidney. As a result, you will experience swelling and stretching of your kidney tissue.

Lastly, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract share nerve connections. When the stones start accumulating in the kidney, they can trigger nerves in your GI tract, causing you to feel sick.

8 – Fever and chills

One of the more serious signs that you have stones in your kidney is experiencing fevers and chills. This is a sign that you have a kidney infection. This is also an indication that there may be more severe issues going on so you should contact a doctor immediately.

What causes kidney stones to develop?

How do stones develop inside of your kidneys? They happen when there is a decrease in urine and an excess of minerals. In most cases, the stones are made up of calcium but other compounds that form stones include uric acid, cysteine, and magnesium ammonium phosphate.

This can happen due to the following situations:

Dehydration and Reduced Fluid Intake
Urinary Tract Infections
Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes
Medications
Gout
Dietary Factors

Can kidney stones be prevented?

If you’ve had stones in your urinary tract before, you already know that it is better to prevent them from happening rather than having to undergo treatment. It’s extremely helpful to drink lots of water because dehydration can lead to their formation.

Also, the foods that you eat influence the likelihood of developing them, especially if you’ve had them before. Once you have passed a stone, it can be helpful to have it analyzed to develop prevention measures.

If your stones have more calcium oxalate, it’s advised to stay away from foods that are high in oxalate, such as peanuts, spinach, swiss chard, or beets. Also, eating too much sodium or protein could lead to the formation of cystine and uric acid stones. (2)

While no diet can completely eliminate the development of stones, doctors recommend that people follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet to decrease their likelihood. This diet recommends that you eat more vegetables, fruits, grain, and low-fat dairy while limiting your intake of salt, sugar, and red meat.

What is the treatment for kidney stones?

Experiencing stones passing through your urinary tract is a painful experience but fortunately, most will be dissolved on their own within 48 hours if you drink large amounts of water. During that time, it is recommended that you take anti-inflammatory medications for pain control, making sure that you avoid aspirin or NSAIDs because they increase the risk of bleeding.

Some factors that you must consider when passing stones include the size of the stone, your body size, whether you have an enlarged prostate, or pregnancy. Stones that are less than 4 mm have a much greater chance of passing through your tract with no problem. However, stones that are larger than 9 – 10 mm will need specific treatment to dissolve.

If you do need help passing the stones, you can receive a popular procedure called lithotripsy to help you break up the stones into smaller pieces. This is done using shock waves.

When all other methods fail, surgery is another option. This is usually performed through a small incision in the skin or with a ureteroscope that passed through your urinary tract into your ureter.

Know the Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones are an accumulation of minerals and salt that have started to stick together. This could be due to several reasons, including a lack of hydration as well as your diet.

Once these stones start to develop, they can travel to other parts of your urinary tract, which is often a very painful experience. Other symptoms that may occur while passing stones include a difficulty urinating, cloudy or smelly urine, and nausea.

If you have stones, you should be able to pass them in a few days by drinking ample amounts of water. However, more severe cases will need treatment using surgery or ultrasound for removal.

7 Symptoms of Hemorrhoids to Never Ignore

September 12, 2019 by Power of Positivity

If you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, also known as piles, you’re not alone. That’s because this condition affects the lives of millions of Americans. In fact, hemorrhoids occur in 1 in 20 people and affect 50 percent of individuals aged 50 and over.

Here’s the low-down for those who are not familiar with hemorrhoids. This is a medical condition characterized by inflamed and swollen veins that usually affect the inside lining of the rectum. Piles can also develop around the opening of the anus as well. In many cases, those who have hemorrhoids are not aware of the condition until the symptoms become severe. In this article, we will take a closer look at pile symptoms as well as available treatments that can provide some much-needed relief.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PILES

Obesity and pregnancy can both make hemorrhoids worse as both conditions can place even more pressure on the already swollen veins inside the lining of the rectum. Also, hemorrhoids that form around the opening of the anus can cause blood clots, which can be exceedingly painful. While this may all sound grim, hemorrhoids are not life-threatening; however, they can significantly affect an individual’s overall quality of life.

INTERNAL VERSUS EXTERNAL PILES

It is worth noting that there are two different kinds of piles, internal and external. The internal variant forms inside of the anus and often goes unnoticed by most people until after they’ve passed through the anus and become external, which, coincidentally, is when defecating becomes more difficult. Conversely, external piles will form around the opening of the anus, which makes them easier to detect. That said, an individual can experience both internal and external piles at the same time.

COMMON HEMORRHOID-RELATED SYMPTOMS

When piles become severe, most people will find it necessary to strain more than usual while defecating as the condition is known to cause constipation. This is especially true of internal piles. More than that, piles can cause rectal bleeding and the following additional symptoms:

Pain during bowel movements
Itchy anus
Swollen rectal tissue
Loose stool

7 SYMPTOMS OF PILES YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

Although piles can seem distressing, medical treatment is not always necessary. In fact, small internal piles will generally resolve themselves within a matter of days. The same applies to their larger external counterparts, which form around the opening of the anus. That said, some symptoms should never be ignored as they can be indicative of a more serious problem, including

1. Blood following a bowel movement
2. Extreme pain during bowel movements
3. If your stool is maroon in color
4. Pain that lasts for more than one week
5. Have developed physical lumps on your anus.
6. If you have strangulated hemorrhoids
7. Experiencing chronic constipation

Some of these symptoms may be emblematic of a more serious health problem, such as colon polyps, Crohn’s disease, colitis, diverticulitis, and colorectal cancer, for example. Also worth noting, rectal bleeding can also be a byproduct of anal fissures, a condition characterized by microscopic tears in the lining of the anus, which can require medical care. While these symptoms may not signify serious health problems, it is still best to err on the side of caution and been seen by a medical professional anyway.

HOW ARE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PILES DIAGNOSED?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms detailed in this article, you may have developed piles. However, to confirm you have developed the condition, you will need to schedule an appointment with a general physician or a specialist, namely a gastroenterologist or a proctologist. During your appointment, the practitioner will likely inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing before performing a rectal exam. These exams often include the following:

An anoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy
A colonoscopy

Based on the results of these exams, your physician will recommend a hemorrhoid treatment that will work best for you.

WHAT IS THE BEST HEMORRHOID TREATMENT?

When it comes to hemorrhoid-related treatments, there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach as the severity of the condition will dictate the type of treatment an individual will need. For example, small piles can be treated with over-the-counter sprays and ointments containing local anesthetics to help minimize pain. Additionally, vasoconstrictor drugs, also available over-the-counter, are effective in reducing swelling.

Lastly, sitting in a warm bath and using moist toilettes following each bowel movement can provide a great deal of relief from hemorrhoid-related symptoms. It is important to note that these remedies are not a cure for the condition, but they can relieve some of the more severe symptoms. In most cases, piles will go away on their own; however, if that does not happen, surgery may be needed.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENTS

If over-the-counter and other at-home treatments are not effective in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms, there are some minimally invasive procedures that can help, including

Rubber band ligation
Laser treatments
Sclerotherapy

All of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and only require a local anesthetic. That numbing is used to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum. Also, the success rate associated with each of these procedures is very high, typically 75 percent or better. Now that we have a general idea of what medical treatments are available, let’s take a closer look at what they each entail:

Rubber band ligation – This minimally invasive procedure involves using a rubber band to remove internal piles. To perform this procedure, a physician will place the rubber band directly on the pile to cut off blood flow, which will cause it to die and ultimately fall off. As with any surgery, even those that are minimally invasive, rubber band ligation does carry some risk, including severe bleeding, pain, infection, and possible blood clots. That said, you will want to discuss these risks with your physician before undergoing this procedure.

Laser treatments – This procedure entails using either laser or infrared lights to destroy piles that form inside the lining of a patient’s rectum.

Sclerotherapy – This procedure involves injecting a salt solution into the piles, which, in turn, causes them to die off.

After an initial exam, your physician will determine which of these procedures will work best for you. However, in some cases, a slightly more invasive surgical procedure, namely hemorrhoidectomy, may be needed.

WHAT IS HEMORRHOIDECTOMY SURGERY?

For those who may not be familiar with a hemorrhoidectomy, it is a procedure whereby a surgeon will cut away inflamed tissue that is causing pain and discomfort. Thus, surgeons perform hemorrhoidectomies solely as a last resort when less invasive options have failed. The doctor performs surgery while a patient is under local or general anesthesia. Moreover, doctors can use surgery to treat internal or external piles. The treatment has a success rate in the neighborhood of 95 percent. As with any surgery, there are risks, such as bleeding or infections at the incision site following a hemorrhoidectomy. To minimize these risks, follow your physician’s recommendations for at-home care. And, be sure to take pain and antibiotic medications as directed.

CAN YOU PREVENT PILES?

While most people will develop piles at some point within their lifetime, there are things that you can do to lower your chances of developing them. And that’s because constipation and straining are to the two leading causes of piles. As such, it would be a good idea to consume foods rich in fiber as the nutrient not only keeps you regular but also softens stool. Ideally, you should aim for a minimum of 20 grams of fiber every day. Similarly, consuming eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day can go a long way toward lowering your chances of developing piles as well. Lastly, you may also want to consider the following:

Not straining to “go”
Taking laxatives
Taking stool softeners as needed
Consuming a well, balanced diet
Not postponing defecating
Seeing a physician if you’re struggling with prolonged constipation

BOTTOM LINE ON HEMORRHOIDS AND THEIR SYMPTOMS

All in all, piles are more common than most people think, meaning you should not let embarrassment keep you from getting the hemorrhoid treatment that you need. This includes purchasing over-the-counter medications or scheduling an appointment with a physician, especially if you’re experiencing bleeding, swelling, or any of the more severe symptoms detailed in this article.

15 Health Benefits of Coffee to Never Ignore

September 11, 2019 by Power of Positivity

There’s a reason why coffee lovers are so devoted to their daily cup of joe. In addition to it being a great way to start the day, there are many benefits to drinking java.

Important Health Benefits of Coffee

Though many people to their cup of joe to stay awake, there are several other health benefits of coffee that most people do not even realize. Keep reading for a guide on all the advantages of this caffeinated beverage.

1. Boost Your Productivity

What is the number one reason caffeine-lovers can’t get enough of their favorite brew? Of course, it is the instant boost in productivity and focus that drinking java brings.

This is why so many people turn to this caffeinated beverage for a wake-up call in the morning.

Alertness, reaction time, and attention are all elements that are immediately improved after drinking java. These stimulating effects have proven to be true in countless studies and real-life applications in workplaces and academic settings around the world.

While there are many other advantages to this daily dose of caffeine, staying awake and alert is the most popular benefit.

2. Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

There’s more in your cappuccino than a heavy dose of caffeine.

Experts say that a jolt of java can have long-term benefits when it comes to lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

As a neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s significantly affects one’s cognitive function and memory. Substantial evidence indicates this beverage’s ability to protect the body against mental deterioration. Studies show that there is an inverse association between individuals that consume large amounts of this caffeinated drink and Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Benefit From Protective Compounds

Caffeic acid in your average cup of joe has several health-protective benefits.

This caffeic acid is a type of plant chemical that contains polyphenols. This compound has many anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Certain studies show that regularly consuming this drink has several advantages. These benefits include protecting one’s liver from toxicity and improving the respiratory system in individuals with asthma.

Currently, there are clinical trials investigating this compound’s effectiveness as an esophageal cancer treatment.

4. Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Experts indicate the coffee’s polyphenols help to increase our skin’s ability to resist UV rays, which could help protect our body against skin cancer.

The cancer called melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. While sunlight is a risk factor for this condition, melanoma is also affected by the food we eat.

By sticking to your favorite type of caffeinated joe, studies indicate that you’ll lower your risk of developing melanoma.

5. Benefit from Antioxidants

The polyphenols in this drink have powerful benefits as antioxidants.

According to extensive studies, these antioxidants in this drink helps to protect one’s body against inflammation and age-related decline. Similarly, consuming java regularly will help boost your immunity, thanks to the polyphenols in this drink.

Not sure which type of caffeinated beverage contains the most polyphenols? Whether you choose a freshly made brew or your favorite instant brand, you will still be able to benefit from these antioxidants.

6. Lower Your Risk of Stroke

While strokes often happen without warning, it is possible to limit your risk of stroke.

Certain studies link this daily caffeine habit with lowering the risk of stroke by 38%. Other studies indicate that individuals that drink more than four cups of this drink will be able to lower their risk of stroke.

7. Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects almost 30.3 million Americans, while ? of the country has prediabetes.

These statistics indicate that diabetes is a widespread problem, but surprisingly, coffee can lower one’s risk of developing this condition.

Drinking this caffeinated beverage can eliminate the likelihood of individuals developing diabetes. Certain studies show that habitually consuming this drink will result in a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other studies show an inverse connection between type 2 diabetes and a daily cup of joe, depending on the amount of this drink someone consumes.

While drinking java won’t magically eliminate your chance of getting diabetes, it does offer certain benefits when combined with proper sleep, exercise, and a good diet.

8. Enjoy Caffeine’s Benefits

While your favorite frappuccino may taste good, this isn’t its only benefit.

One of the most obvious reasons people enjoy their daily brew is to benefit from the caffeine content. Caffeine has a powerful effect on the body, keeping us awake, alert, and focused throughout the day.

Certain studies show that at 400 mg, caffeine will improve the body’s insulin sensitivity. Another study indicates that the caffeine in the drink helps to reduce the risk of several serious medical conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.

When taking advantage of this drink’s benefits, experts suggest limiting yourself to 400 mg. Anything over this amount may have increased effects on the body.

9. Protect Your Liver

If you aren’t thinking about the health of your liver when drinking your daily cappuccino, you should be. This caffeinated beverage has hepatoprotective properties, meaning it has the ability to prevent liver damage.

Moreover, in its purest form, this drink has the ability to treat chronic liver disease.

Studies show that consuming this drink reduces mortality, boosts one’s overall survival rate, and improves lab readings in regards to complications with liver disease.

According to a randomized trial, this drink’s protective effects are also effective against hepatitis C, which would otherwise affect the liver. This trial indicates that drinking your cup of joe can reduce oxidative damage as it increases your body’s apoptosis rate and telomere length.

10. Improve Your Longevity

It turns out that the fountain of youth may be at your local cafe. Drinking a cup of joe can help you live longer and feel better, according to certain studies.

Research shows a link between drinking java and lower rates of mortality. These studies review individuals’ consumption of this drink to determine its ability to improve longevity.

Why is this caffeinated beverage a go-to for living longer? Scientists believe that this phenomenon is due in part to this drink’s bioactive compounds.

11. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

Is coffee effective at protecting the heart? It seems that science likes to think so.

Research regarding heart health and this drink indicate that java has the ability to lower the risk of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease.

Reviews of these studies show that participants drinking anywhere from 3 – 5 cups of coffee a day experience the lowest risk. Other studies indicate that moderate amounts of four cups or less a day have the power to lower CVD mortality without negatively affecting the drinker’s health.

12. Lower Depression

Another reported benefit of drinking this caffeinated beverage is lowering depression.

Studies show that individuals that drink this lower their chance of experiencing depression. Studies indicate that this relationship between this drink and depression is due to its ability to improve our mood, boost our energy levels, and increase our ability to focus.

13. Protect Your Gums and Teeth

While some associate drinking a cup of joe with the yellowing of their teeth, this drink may, in fact, have a protective effect on one’s teeth. This drink’s benefits for your dental health include protecting against conditions like periodontal disease.

One study, in particular, shows that there is an inverse relationship between severe periodontitis and regular coffee consumption. Other studies indicate that higher consumption of this drink is linked to a reduction in bone loss related to periodontal disease. This type of research shows that a cup of joe has antibacterial properties, making taking this drink black the most effective at fighting the effects of these dental issues.

14. Boost Your Physical Performance

The energy-boosting effects of this drink are well known as it is a beverage high in caffeine.

When taking advantage of coffee for its power to harness your energy, you’ll find that it’s incredibly effective when improving your exercise or sports performance. Certain studies show that having coffee prior to a workout will enhance one’s recovery, boost their metabolic rate, and increase the body’s capabilities for resistance training.

15. Burn Fat Faster

Though claiming coffee burns fat may seem like a gimmick, studies show that coffee boosts your ability to burn fat.

While excess sugar isn’t the healthiest way to take advantage of this fat-burning quality of this drink, you can kickstart your metabolism by pairing your cup of joe with exercise. Doing this will boost your metabolic right by up to 11%, which will help your body break down food faster without resulting in weight gain.

According to another study, caffeine was found to increase free fatty acid (FFA) disposal, which means that it improves the way the body converts fat into energy. Moreover, researchers learned that caffeine also helps the body release FFAs in the bloodstream, which will make them available for use in energy conversion.

Final Thoughts on the Health Benefits of Coffee

Of all the health-boosting drinks on the market, coffee has some of the most impactful benefits. When consuming this caffeinated drink in moderation, you too can take advantage of it.

Keep this guide handy when drinking your java. While opting for the sweetest, frothiest drinks are okay in moderation, to get the most of your coffee, it’s best to keep it simple.

23 Inspirational Quotes About Positivity from Dolly Parton

September 11, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever read inspirational quotes that turned the course of your life completely upside down?

Not just actions—words, words have great power to change the perception around which one’s life revolves. To enlighten you and encourage you are quotes from Dolly Parton one of the most influential ladies from the past few decades! Sometimes all we need is a slight emotional and spiritual push. Something that inspires us enough to walk a little further towards possibilities instead of being stagnant in the shadow of hopelessness due to numerous factors.

“Words, carefully crafted and impeccably arranged could move worlds at nobody’s expense.” -Anonymous.

Inspirational Quotes from Dolly Parton

1. “If you dislike the path you are walking onto, build yourself another one.”

As an individual, you are obliged to mend the path that serves you the purpose you have been looking for and the one you ought to achieve. If you got to change the way for your sole self—do it with your head up high, there is nothing that can stop you from touching the sky!

2. “One of the things that I have learned if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”

We all want to cherish the good things in life, to pursue the ultimate happiness and pleasure. The joy of something truly earned can never be compared with the joy of something gifted. In this inspirational quote, Dolly Parton states the utter truth—that if you want to cherish the best you have to go through the bad days as well, it comes in a package!

3. “Don’t get so busy whilst earning a living that you forget to spend a life worth living.”

Instead of valuing true emotional experiences and nature we often measure the worth of a person/relationship or other things in life according to the monetary value invested—and when that hallmark is set to measure love and luxury of life, one loses track of life in the constant quest of piling money. Dolly Parton through this quote, reminds us to enjoy the simpler, priceless things in life.

• Quick fact: According to a research, reading inspirational & motivational quotes has shown a remarkable boost in individuals (especially adults) self-esteem, motivation, courage and empowerment who suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and other chronic or terminal illnesses. (Bedroy, 2018)[1]

4. “You gotta keep trying to find your niche and trying to fit in the box left for you, but if you don’t like it then make yourself a new slot”

Self-exploration is the key to all the doors of curiosity that lead you to realize where you actually stand or want to stand. While life offers you numerous opportunities—you have two simple options: either you fit into the place left or you build your own according to what you desire!

5. “I think that if I am smart about business, it’s just that I am just smart about who I am.”

In most of the inspirational quotes by Dolly often reflects the inner strength and mastering at knowing yourself before anything. And that’s utterly true! You can take hold of anything you possibly want to if you know yourself better if you know in what aspect your smartness lies.

6. “One cannot direct the wind, but can learn to bend the sails.”

Often you might find yourself into situations that you haven’t chosen for yourself. Life offers challenging circumstances that leave one clueless of how to deal with them, now here’s a thing: you didn’t choose it, neither it’s your fault but how you react to it is your responsibility. So if you can’t control the pace of wind where it takes you, you can at least change your course of direction towards the revolution of your choice.

7. “I may look like a lady, but I ponder like a man. Because in the world of business, it has assisted me a lot.”

Well, this one is very useful for businesswomen seeking inspiration. No doubt even women prove to be excellent in business and decisions that require related skill but do you know what the key behind it is? “Act like a woman but think like a man.”

So ladies, sharpen all those sassy looks if you have to and rock the business world!

8. “You need to really believe in what you’ve got to offer, what your talent is-and if you believe, that gives you strength.”

Of all inspirational quotes, this reminds me of a post that I read and is very relatable to Dolly Parton’s context, “Millions can believe in you, yet none of that matters if you don’t believe in yourself.” Believing in yourself gives you all the strength you need, and comes from within and not through outside validation.

9. ”Sometimes the storms make trees hold onto deeper roots.”

In this inspirational quote, Dolly Parton has used a metaphoric approach. As we get older and past childhood/teenage and maturity starts to take over with every challenge ahead of us, what do we hold onto the most? Our ideas and values built in the initial phase of our lives. The more storms we face, the firmer the grip gets with our roots.

10. “God is in everything I do, and all my work Glorifies him.”

Rejoicing God for everything Dolly has ever done or achieved is a selfless and valuable act in itself. By this quote, she means to convey that if you with the help of God do something with righteousness, you will be surely be rewarded with you deserve.

Quick Fact: According to Media psychologist experts and communications consultant human psychology works on the primal aspect. Humans are aspirational, and that is why quotes by role models and leaders affect them on a primal level. (Moran, 2019) [2]

11. “If your actions construct a legacy that motivates people to do more, become extraordinary, and learn more then you are an exceptional leader.”

It’s no doubt we all have a role model whom we look up to, whom we want to be like—but apart that if you are the best version of yourself that is a resourceful leader, then one cannot ask for more!

12. “It’s hard to be a true diamond in a world full of stress”

Dolly Parton explains that in a world where everything is beautifully disguised and pretended, it’s a hard thing to be original and true self and yet shine through!

13. “You will never do a whole lot unless you are brave enough to try.”

Many settle for less, but those who withhold undying passion for standing apart are the ones who don’t fear to step out of the comfort zone. And if you are brave enough to do so, you won’t return empty-handed!

14. “I ain’t glad all the time, and I won’t even try to be because that would make me a narrow person. But I do try to search good in every individual.”

To seek positive experience all the time is a negative experience in itself—Mark Manson. To feel every emotion genuinely is positivity in itself, why? Life won’t always offer you the best of everything, so cherish the good times and have patience in the bad ones.

15. ”I have been through heartaches, headaches, toothaches, earaches, and I’ve had a little ache in the ass as well, but I’ve endured to tell about it.”

By the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you have been through or not, but what matters is you made it regardless of the obstacles on the way. That’s valor!

16. “The magic is inside you; there ain’t no crystal ball.”

Breaking the bubble of all the fantasy world, Dolly Parton suggests that all the impossibilities that you seek to turn into reality won’t happen through some fictional magic—instead, you get out there, and work with the magic you have inside!

17. “Figure out who you are, then do it on purpose.”

Considering self-exploration the central idea of her quotations, Dolly Parton repeatedly advice people to figure out who they truly are and to do that despite knowing because it takes exceptional sight to seek within.

18. “I would never stoop so low as to be fashionable.”

A diva herself who has an incredible way of carrying herself considers following fashion a low thing. She inspires people to be confident in the way they are, after all, why follow fashion? Let fashion follow you!

19. “Above everything I have done, I’ve always said I’ve more guts than I’ve got talent.”

Truly, it takes more than mere talent to be what you want to be. To have the courage and guts to step out and do your thing!

20. “I always believe that if you find someone without a smile, you just them your own!”

In the fast pace of life where people like to mind just their own business, Dolly Parton emphasizes on spreading kindness by giving small gestures to be happy about—as small as making someone smile!

21. “They think I am simpleminded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have everything I ever wanted and more. May I am simpleminded. Maybe that is the key: simple.”

Through this quote, one can easily read through the importance of simplicity. The simpler, the happier you are! After all, aren’t we all looking for happiness?

22. “I am not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I am not dumb and I am not blonde.”

Dignifying her strength of individuality, Dolly Parton says that it doesn’t matter what they say about you—what matters the most is what you believe about yourself.

23. “Just because people won’t accept that I can do something else, I won’t limit myself for it.”

Sometimes the major setbacks and turmoil aren’t because you lack the ability to do so, but because of what your circle makes you believe in. So be careful whom you surround yourself with!

Be Inspired by Dolly Parton!

Are you inspired by the inspirational quotes enough to break the mental chains that have been holding you back? Then, take a cue from Dolly Parton and seize life and life it to the fullest without apologies.

Mental Health Experts Reveal 10 Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder

September 11, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Borderline personality disorder is a severe mental condition frequently triggered by trauma. A person suffering from this condition cannot effectively manage their emotions, and their feelings seem to be all over the place. Doctors sometimes misdiagnose this as bipolar disorder as it takes years find the BPD diagnosis.

There are no tests that can help diagnose this condition, which makes it tricky for doctors to diagnose Borderline Personality Disorder. The emotional turmoil this person feels can cause destructive behaviors, and those around them are affected.

Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder

Researchers have done many studies on the causes of BPD. And often, the patient suffered a trauma that has affected them greatly. However, many causes can contribute to such a diagnosis that is not trauma-based.

1 – Genetics

If a parent has BPD, then the chances of their offspring developing this mental health condition are greater. While no gene is passed down that gives a child this disease, there is a 50 percent greater chance of developing it when a parent has BPD.

2 – Brain Chemical Abnormalities

Like most mental disturbances, BPD is thought to be a problem with the neurotransmitters or brain chemicals. Serotonin is thought to be the leading factor in this condition. When a person has insufficient levels of serotonin, depression, anxiety, and other mental disturbances can plague them.

Serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are the three most significant chemical transmitters in the brain. People with BPD often have problems controlling their urges as well as their emotions. The lack of chemicals prevents them from having a filter to stop wrong or inappropriate things.

Additionally, when one of the chemicals isn’t at an adequate level, then it can cause the signals to become haywire, causing issues found in BPD.

3 – Environmental Factors

Many environmental factors seem to be common among those suffering from BPD. First, they are often the victim of abuse, though there are higher tendencies in those who’ve been sexually abused. Additionally, the person may have been neglected as a child or placed back and forth in the foster care system.

Frequently, psychiatrists find there were substance abuse issues in the home, and they may have had poor relationships with their parents. When a person has unresolved anger or distress from their childhood, it can cause their thought patterns to become awry. They may be stuck in a childlike mentality and expect others to parent them when they are far beyond 18 years of age.

4 – Brain Development Issues

Brain development can be a major issue among those suffering from BPD. Using an MRI, those who have this mental health disturbance always have brain abnormalities such as a smaller amygdala, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal cortex areas. These regions often tend to have unusual levels of activity too.

Research has found that these areas of the brain don’t correctly form in early childhood, and therefore mood regulation and other issues develop. Having close relationships is very difficult for those suffering from BPD. This doesn’t arise from a lack of caring. Instead, it’s because they have a “short” in that area of the brain.

A Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with BPD is not an easy process. It usually begins with a visit to a general practitioner who will refer an individual to a psychiatric specialist. It’s important to start at the family doctor. And that’s because the physician will run some tests to ensure that it’s not another medical condition causing the mental disturbances.

Psychiatrists always attempt to treat things like depression, anxiety, and issues of this nature before delving into deeper mental health problems. If the treatment given improves the problems, then they usually don’t need to dig deeper.

However, when doctors try numerous medications, and a person is still suffering, it’s often an indication of another underlying issue. For instance, if a person seeks treatment for severe anxiety that causes them to cut, after exhausting all the SSRI, SNRI medications, the doctor may prescribe an antipsychotic.

BPD is not the only reason a person may take antipsychotic medication as many serious mental health concerns require these treatments.

Mental Assessment

People with BPD will undergo rigorous mental evaluations to help doctors make a diagnosis. They look for symptoms that include:

An Intense Fear of Being Alone
Self-Harming Behavior
Suicidal Tendencies
Poor Self-Image
Unstable Relationship Patterns
Impulsive Actions – Legal Problems
Drug Use
Sexual Promiscuity
Reckless Spending Habits
Severe Mood Swings
Long-term Emptiness
Paranoia
Feeling Disconnected from The World or The Body

It’s often essential for doctors and psychiatrists to involve the family in the mental health assessment. The family can usually help put the pieces of the puzzle together better than the person suffering. Since BPD often affects relationships, family and friends can give vital information to the doctors.

Additionally, these people may need support and information in learning how to deal with a loved one who has BPD.

Co-existing Mental Disturbances

One of the reasons why diagnosing BPD is so difficult is because it often occurs with other mental disturbances. It’s not uncommon to find a person suffering from this condition and things like:

Substance Abuse
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety/Panic Disorder
Anorexia or Bulimia
Another Personality Disorder
Depression

Treating A Person with Borderline Personality Disorder

Being diagnosed with BPD was often thought of as a mental death sentence in previous times. However, with new therapies emerging every day, it’s possible to live a productive life and manage the symptoms. It requires active involvement with a counselor, medical team, and family.

Psychotherapy

Counseling or psychological therapy is psychotherapy. While there are many different types, it’s all based on helping the person get in touch with their emotions.

The counselor will listen to the issues currently bothering the person and suggest tips and tricks for resolution. It’s often best to help a person change their attitude and outlook to ensure they don’t repeat negative behaviors. Some of the most common therapies used are:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Doctors often refer to this treatment in its shorter name, DBT. During this therapy, a person learns to break the cycle that causes them to lose control of their emotions. By validating their feelings and working on being open to other opinions, it can help bring positive changes.

Mentalization Based Therapy

Therapists also call this type of therapy MBT. Most people with BPD have a hard time with mentalizing. For instance, a person may feel the need to self-harm, but they don’t stop and rationalize the consequences of these behaviors. They don’t remember the painful cuts and how difficult it is after they slice their skin.

MBT helps a person to think about thinking. It teaches people how to take a few minutes to realize the potential impact of the action. Patients often receive MBT on an inpatient basis. It’s beneficial for those in crisis who have been admitted for issues related to BPD.

Therapeutic Communities

These communities provide very structured environments. Here, it’s common to see people with a wide variety of psychological conditions. The BPD person will mingle with those who have schizophrenia, bipolar, and other severe mental disturbances.The goal is to integrate therapy into daily living. People often come here to stay for a week or a month. They will learn about running a household, prepping their meals, and how to communicate with others.

These centers are rigorous and don’t allow drinking, drugs, violence, or any self-harming behaviors. Since treatment is voluntary, community managers expel anyone who violates these rules..

Art Therapy

Psychologists employ art therapy to treat many conditions. Research has shown that it’s beneficial to the Borderline personality. Using a combination of dance, drama, music, and art can help people to focus and express themselves in positive manners.

Treating BPD with Medication

There are no medications on the market, specifically for the treatment of BPD. However, it’s possible to reduce or eliminate some symptoms with the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-seizure medicines.

Using mood stabilization drugs as well as those that can curb anxiety have often proved helpful in those with BPD, though it’s not a cure. Most people use a cocktail of medications that frequently changes to provide relief.

Living With Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with BPD is not easy. This personality disorder often causes people to be so out of control with their emotions that they alienate those closest to them. While there are therapies and medications out there, many deny there is a problem and don’t seek help.

Since there is often drug abuse and sexual promiscuity, legal ramifications often come into play. Many judges court-ordered drug treatment when the underlying illness comes to light. It’s often the case that people with these conditions live in group homes or have guardians placed over them to manage their finances and persons.

Those who struggle with this condition often have many challenges. For instance, it’s hard for them to hold down a job, maintain a family, and maintain a social life. Therefore, it’s essential to have a reliable support system, mental health team on board, and adherence to medications and treatments to manage this complicated mental health issue.

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