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50 Dream Meanings to Never Ignore

July 29, 2019 by Power of Positivity

What we dream about every night can say a lot about our lives, believe it or not. Dreams have been a topic of interest for thousands of years, and there’s actually a whole scientific study of the topic called oneirology. According to the American Sleep Association, dreams occur mostly during the REM stage of sleep when brain activity is highest. During this phase of sleep, the brain is in an almost awake state.

Dreams can occur in other stages of sleep, but they tend to be less memorable and intense. Most last for between 20 and 30 minutes, and if you wake up during a REM phase, you will be more likely to remember your dream. If you never remember your dreams, that might be a good thing since you probably sleep through the whole night.

“Dreams are excursions into the limbo of things, a semi-deliverance from the human prison.” – Henri Amiel

History of Dreams

About 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia, people recorded some of their dreams on clay tablets. In the times of the Romans and Greeks, it was believed these messages were sent from either deities or deceased relatives and that these could predict the future. Other cultures believed they could influence their visions and fulfill prophecies through them; this was called dream incubation.

In the early 1900s, Sigmund Freud wrote about and interpreted dreams quite extensively. He believed they are our deepest hidden fears and desires, and that they often stem from repressed childhood memories. He also believed, arguably, that every message represents a release of sexual tension, no matter what it’s about.

50 Dream Meanings to Pay Close Attention To

People dream about many different things, and whether our dreams are signs of repressed memories, subconscious thoughts or just random, we can learn a lot about ourselves by investigating our dreams. Below, we will go over 50 common dream meanings to never ignore.

You can’t find a bathroom

This may feel like an embarrassing dream to have, but many women report having this dream at least once in their lives. It could mean that you have a lot on your plate and you can’t just let go and free yourself from the stress. So, if you are dealing with many stressors in your life, try to figure out how to manage your stress more effectively.

You’re losing teeth

One study aimed to figure out why so many people have this disturbing dream. They came up with two hypotheses: 1) that the dream could be triggered by actual teeth grinding, which could explain why people dream of their teeth falling out, or 2) it’s more about psychological stress in the dreamer’s life. The authors found that psychological distress was related to teeth tension, but not to teeth grinding.

You’re lost in a house or building

This indicates not having a clear direction in your life and feeling aimless.

You’re totally naked

Usually, this indicates a feeling of vulnerability, but it can also symbolize new beginnings and freedom.

You’re in the house where you grew up

The meaning of this has a lot to do with the emotions behind the dream. If you feel anger or sadness, it could be a sign of repressed memories.

You’re running from something

Either you don’t want to face something in your life, or you’re genuinely afraid of it and run on instinct. Many times, this dream indicates that you don’t want to feel vulnerable or face a difficult challenge.

You’re late or miss an appointment

This might mean you feel worried about how an event will go, or if you have to wake up at a certain time, you might think you’ll sleep in and miss an important meeting.

Your car breaks down

Our cars symbolize movement, and dreams about them can indicate where you’re headed in life. If your car breaks down in your dream, it could mean that your life is changing direction.

You’re dreaming about falling

Falling visions can either happen in a lucid dream where you become aware that you’re dreaming, or in a normal dream, which can indicate that you feel out of control and insecure in your life.

A dream about someone who hurt you

This could be a sign of PTSD, as survivors of trauma often have nightmares about a person who abused them mentally, physically, or emotionally.

You’re taking a test and didn’t study

This symbolizes a lack of preparedness for something in your life – perhaps an interview or a meeting.

Your dream consists of rapidly changing places and people

This might mean you feel disorganized and out of control of your life.

You can fly

This is one of the most positive visions you can have, as it indicates feeling like you have no limits and the world is open to possibilities.

You dream of dying

Dreaming of death don’t usually mean actual death – they normally indicate an ending of something and the beginning of something else.

Dreaming of someone dying

This might be a premonition, but usually, it’s a sign that the person needs your help.

You have no shoes on

Feeling that you’re shoeless could mean that you don’t have direction in your life and feel unprepared.

A storm such as a tornado or a hurricane

Women have these dreams more often than men do, and they indicate that you’re worried or stressed about aspects of your life.

You’re pregnant

This could either be positive or negative depending on your relationship status.

Your car is out of control

If you’re driving and can’t control your car, this message means you need to pay attention to things in your life that you feel are out of your control.

Dreams about travel

Nighttime thoughts about traveling? This means you need some type of direction and movement in your life. You feel stagnant and unsatisfied with your life right now.

Dreams about an ex

If you dream about your ex, it might just mean you miss the good times spent with them.

Fights with an ex

This may mean that you have unresolved issues with a former lover and wish to make amends.

You’re meeting a celebrity

The person you meet symbolizes something on your subconscious mind, whether that’s song lyrics or a line from your favorite movie.

Dreams about intimacy

This could either mean you feel lonely or it could just be a dream about a fantasy.

Nightmares

Dream meanings about bad dreams are that you are trying to process painful events in your life, or you have a deep-seated fear about something.

You’re being cheated on

You might not fully trust your partner, especially if they have cheated on you in the past. However, if they never have, this dream could simply indicate that you feel neglected or insecure about your relationship.

Dreams about water

If water is a common theme in your sleep, it could mean that you’re going through a lot of emotions or changes in your life.

You’ve slept with someone you shouldn’t have

Whether it’s your boss or a friend’s boyfriend, dreams like this have a lot of symbolism in them. Look at the qualities of the person you were intimate with – these are traits that you could use more of in your life.

You have a secret

This means you’re probably hiding something about yourself that you don’t want others to see.

You cheated on your partner

If you have dreams about you cheating, this could mean that you feel like you don’t put enough time or effort into your relationship.

You come across a hidden room

This may indicate that you’ve tapped into parts of your personality that have been dormant.

You have been abducted by aliens

Many people have this dream. It often means that you have a fear of being rejected or alienated. If you travel to outer space, it could mean you’re tapping into new opportunities or perspectives.

There are people breaking into your house

While this dream can be frightening, you shouldn’t take it literally. Examine your life for signs of intrusion, such as obligations or new people that have made a negative impact on your life.

Your child has gotten separated from you

New parents might have this dream, which is understandable since a young child needs a lot of protection. However, it could also mean that you need to pay attention to your inner child who is crying out for love.

Dreams about bugs

If you have a dreaded nightmare about roaches or ants crawling all over you in your sleep, this means you need to examine what might be “bugging” you in your daily life.

Roads

Dreaming about one road means that you need to simplify your life. It can also mean that you know what you want in life and are being guided down the right path.

You’re in a plane crash

A lot of times, dreams like these indicate insecurity about your goals. Maybe you feel like your vision isn’t panning out, or that you aren’t ready to undertake such an endeavor yet.

Dreaming about vacation

You might be needing some time away to recharge and refresh yourself, or it could have a deeper meaning. Maybe there’s something in your life you feel like you’re running away from.

Money

If you win the lottery, it could symbolize good fortune coming into your life. However, if your dreams are about losing money, it could mean that you have a fear of loss.

Dreams about fire

Fire can symbolize a few different things: a deep desire you might have, repressed anger, or impending danger.

You can’t speak or move

This can indicate a feeling of stagnancy in your life, or that you have no say in a certain matter.

The end of the world

As is the case with many of the messages on this list, nightmares about an apocalypse could indicate hidden anger or other negative emotions.

You feel trapped or crushed

Feeling like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders or that you are trapped might indicate a high level of stress.

Dreams about drowning

Drowning dreams can be metaphorical for anything that seems like it’s pulling you down in life. Whether that’s stress from work, relationships, or even internal pressures you put on yourself, where can you release some weight so you can keep your head above water?

You’re wearing a mask

Not surprisingly, having a disguise on usually means you’re trying to cover up some aspect of your personality.

You’re back in high school

Maybe you miss the carefree days where you didn’t have to worry about bills, a career, grocery shopping, and other not-so-fun adult responsibilities.

Dreams about spiders

Many people have visions of spiders crawling all over them in the night. This could mean you’re being manipulated by someone because spiders can easily draw their prey into their web.

Dreams about snakes

This could either mean you feel tempted by something, or there’s a presence of evil in your life.

Food

Maybe you’re actually hungry, but more than likely, you crave nourishment and energy in other ways in life.

Houses

The different rooms in a house represent your mind. For example, the basement symbolizes things you hide from others or parts of yourself you neglect, while the bedroom may indicate your deepest desires and feelings.

Read what happens when you get too much sleep.

Final thoughts about dream meanings to never ignore

All of the dreams listed above have dream meanings you should pay close attention to. If you find yourself receiving any of the messages listed above, make sure to examine your life and emotions so you can uncover the deeper meaning to your dream. Many psychologists believe that our dreams aren’t random and that they are directly related to events in our lives.

Keep a journal by your bed so you can jot down your dreams when you wake up. Of course, you may not always remember them. But if you do, you can easily refer to them. Happy dreaming!

30 Habits That Make You Unstoppable

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

You are unstoppable and that is the truth. Develop good habits, and you’ll prove it to yourself.

Here are thirty things you ought to do to make it so:

1) Know and act.

Do not just think. Deep down, you know what to do and how to do it. This is the pinnacle of high self-esteem, so hold your head up high–make it a habit!

2) Always be prepared.

“If you fail to plan, plan to fail,” said Benjamin Franklin. When you have the knowledge inside you, you can instinctively act upon it. Soak up all that information that is out there!

3) Let your motivation be internal.

If your motivation is outside your living being, then you are lost. Keep going because it is the right thing to do, even if it hurts. Things come and go but let your drive and ambition be constant.

4) Never be satisfied.

Always being hungry for more does not make you ungrateful, it means that you are pushing yourself as far as you can go, putting your limits to the test.

5) Stay in control.

Unlike most, who require coping mechanisms, you are the immovable object, the man-mountain or woman extraordinaire. This goes for all your habits–everything that you do, say, eat, drink, feel, and think.

6) Always be true to yourself.

If you compromise your integrity in any way, it may be impossible to get it back. However, if you do not like something, you have the guts to tell yourself and others just that and change accordingly. Remember to season to taste!

7) Keep the pressure on.

Most can handle small amounts of pressure, but you do not let yourself go so easily. Deadlines are strict, the tools have seen better days, and you are exhausted. Nothing can deter you because of your pure determination.

8) No fear of failure consequences.

Of course, failure hurts, yet it is necessary for success. It was Robert Kiyosaki who said: “Those who avoid failure also avoid success.” Remember that we only see successful people’s successes, never their failures. Some famous failures include Virgin Cola, Cosmopolitan Yoghurt, Life Savers fizzy drinks, Coors Rocky Mountain Spring Water, Bic women’s underwear. Did these companies go out of business?

9) Other people compete with you, not vice versa.

Competing with others is nigh on lunacy to you. The external does not really matter, the internal pressures do and you focus on what you do and how you do it. Other people try to copy the success of others but you remember that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

10) Always strive for learning.

You are the curious sort, always wanting to be a sponge for information and not letting it go under any circumstances. Learning new skills and honing current ones, improving your weaknesses, being the eternal student in the university of life are all admirable habits to fall into.

11) Success is not enough.

It only increases the pressure to do more and more. That restless relentlessness makes you a cut above the rest, and not just in Oktoberfest. You achieved on goal, but you are immediately thinking about the next challenge.

12) You can handle success.

Many people are not able to, but you are not many people. They procrastinate or demonstrate a rate of self-destruction, mate. However, that is their fate. You, on the other hand, take it in your stride and you keep going.

13) No external blame game.

When things do not go to plan and the result was not the desired one, you are the first one to say: “I am the one to blame.” Remember, when you point at someone using your index finger, the remaining three point back at you.

14) Let your work do the talking.

You walk your talk, not talk your walk. People can easily distinguish “good work” from “bad work”. If there is someone who tries to bring you down, you only smile and finish your task. Leo Messi, the Argentine soccer player, does exactly this and is considered as the best of his generation (although Cristiano Ronaldo may beg to differ).

15) Improve your mental strength.

You take to pressure like water off a duck’s back and it can take you further than most because of this fact. Working in this area of life makes you persistent and insistent on success. Like attracts like, after all.

16) Confidence is the key.

You have this quality in spades. This is exactly what Aristotle meant when he taught young Alexander the Great: “Fortune favours the brave.” He went on to found the Greek Empire stretching from Greece to modern-day Pakistan.

17) Surrounding yourself with people who remind you of a great future.

If you surround yourself with people who remind you of the past, especially a bad one, how can you possibly be unstoppable? You move on from what you are unable to change and you find people who become the wind beneath your wings. These people are worth their weight in gold because your success becomes theirs also.

18) Let things go, but do not forget.

On the plane of life, you intend to travel as light as possible without any baggage. Naturally, bad things are going to happen to you but you cannot allow them to define you. However, you are such a student of life that you learn from these things.

19) Have clear goals.

Not having goals in life is like having a car with no steering wheel. You obviously have direction in your life, you know how to get to where you want to go, and you do not stop until you arrive at your desired destination. Make goal setting a habit that will guide you forward.

20) Answer instantly with no hesitation.

Um, it’s like, er, you have like, um, no confidence in, like, what you’re saying. That is not your style. You are concise, direct, and to the point in making your decisions.

21) Choose simplicity over complicated.

Complication leads to difficulty, whereas simplicity makes life easier. As you are always putting yourself under pressure, you have no time for complicated. How many times have you heard something is genius because it is simple?

22) Be happy for someone else with their achievements.

Being jealous of others’ achievements is competing with others and we have already stated that you do not compete with others. You are not on the same path as anyone else, and vice versa. You are happy for them because you have your own fish to fry.

23) Go for it!

Do you remember the Nike slogan “Just Do It”? It is exactly what you do. You take the shot. If you fail, there is always next time. Many are fearful of failure, but you move past it and you deal with what comes later. As the subheading says: Go for it!

24) Never rest on your laurels.

Riding the coattails of past success is one of the worst habits to fall into. Your past glories are no longer here and you cannot keep trading on them. A new project is winking at you like a man does with a woman he likes on a night out on the town. You always remember what brought you to this moment: your impeccable work.

25) Think and act 10X.

“When 10X is your measuring stick, you immediately see how you can bypass what everyone else is doing,” said Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach. Not that you care about everyone else but it is almost as if your decisions and actions are on steroids, and they are doing so much in your favor. Do more, think more, be more!

26) Set goals far exceeding your current limitations.

If you set reachable goals now, you will not be forced to create luck. These goals are meant to challenge you to become more, to become better than you are currently, to grow personally and, to a lesser extent, professionally. Norman Vincent Peale said: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you fail, you will land among the stars.”

27) You know when to rest.

When you are on work time, you give it all you have. When you are off the clock, make sure you are OFF. Completely! Can boxers train 24/7? No. Can Warren Buffett invest 24/7? No. Can a pizza chef make pizzas 24/7? No. Then there is this: How can you achieve your greatness if you do things in a half-hearted manner?

28) You start BEFORE you are ready.

Are you ready to do it? The unstoppable always reply no, making it perfect timing. You learn on the journey, not before it. This is why experience is so sought after in the job market because it is not a commodity. You started before you had your customers and your jealous competitors. If you have not yet started, start now!

29) Needing permission to do something is a big red flag.

Why do you need to ask if it is something YOU want to do? Where is the passion when you have to ask someone else whether you should do it? You, my dear friend, take a leaf out of Nike’s book and get out into the world. If you want to invest in gold, check out first this secret irs loophole guide here and then go ahead and do it!

30) Make no exceptions.

If your daily routine starts by waking up at 4 am, you keep it that way no matter what. Even if your body is aching and you feel too tired to go on, that willpower is on auto-pilot and you continue. Take this quote from Muhammed Ali on board: “I hated every minute of training. But I said: ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ ”

If all else fails, we suggest reading the poem called “If” by Rudyard Kipling. How about that for a Brucie bonus?

Adopt These Habits to Find Out Just How Unstoppable You Are!

Want to prove to the world, and more importantly to yourself, how unstoppable you really are? Adopt these habits. In time, you will begin to see changes in how you experience a shift in attitude that tells the world the truth. You are a force to be reckoned with!

References:
Hardy B P., “Do These 30 Things If You Want To Be Unstoppable”
Success Magazine: http://www.success.com/blog/do-these-30-things-if-you-want-to-be-unstoppable

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Psychology Explains How Narcissists Use Projection To Manipulate

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Narcissists have no real self-awareness to speak of. Indeed, their very sense of value is derived from how others perceive them. As a rule, narcissists cannot recognize their shortcomings and failures, instead choosing to cast the blame – no matter the merits of such – onto someone else. It’s called projection – a default defense mechanism of the narcissist.

In this article, we’re going to define narcissism, projection, and how those with narcissistic tendencies use projection to achieve their aims. As you will read, narcissists are experts at manipulation. To this end, we’ll discuss how you can spot the narcissist, along with proactive things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of narcissistic manipulation.

What is Projection?

In psychology, projection – or psychological projection – is the denial of subconscious impulses by the human ego. For instance, someone accusing their partner of cheating when they’re the one engaging in the scandalous act is projecting. A jealous co-worker who accuses everyone else in the office of being jealous is projecting; secretly, they’re jealous of just about everyone with a modicum of success. And so on.

While common among narcissistic, projecting is something that we all do to varying degrees. We usually project onto others when we have uncomfortable, sometimes disturbing, emotions and thoughts about ourselves. The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, believed that we project things onto others when we don’t want to burden ourselves with our perceived flaws or feelings of inferiority.

In other words, we want others to be the vehicles for our insecurities. We don’t want to deal with them anymore.

The thing is: while we all project, we don’t make a habit out of it. Most of us wouldn’t use projection to make someone feel inferior. We certainly wouldn’t employ projection as a means of coercion. Because, well, you’re not a narcissist (we don’t think.)

Speaking of which, let’s discuss narcissistic personality disorder in a tad more detail.

The Story of Narcissus (the OG Narcissist)

The ancient Greeks and Romans promulgated a myth about a young lad too obsessed with his image. The story goes that Narcissus was a handsome guy who rejected all female comers. In fact, Narcissus rejected all of those who loved him, leading some of those he loved to take their own lives as a last effort to show Narcissus their devotion and love.

A young nymph named Echo, shortly after being cursed by the wife of Zeus (a philanderer, that one) to only being able to repeat what others say, wandered out to the forest convinced that her life was over. Upon laying her eyes on Narcissus, she was hopeful that she could live a normal life – if she could get his attention. But Narcissus being, well, Narcissus, rudely rejected the young lady’s innocent advances.

However, none of this moved the vain young man, which led the Goddess Nemesis to punish Narcissus for his callousness. The story ends with Narcissus getting a glimpse of himself in a lake, which reflects back an image showing him in the prime of his beauty. Narcissus fell in love with his image, eventually realizing that nothing could love him as much as he could love himself. Nemesis takes his own life shortly after this realization.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

In the late 1800s, psychologists decided that the vain Narcissus was an apt representation of some of their clients. A sexologist named Havelock Ellis coined the term “narcissus-like” to describe his patients engaging in excessive masturbation.

In 1911, an Austrian psychiatrist named Otto Rank published the first academic paper proposing narcissism as a potential psychological disorder. Rank described narcissism in the context of excessive self-admiration and vanity. Three years later, Freud published the paper On Narcissism: An Introduction.

It wasn’t until 1968 that the term “narcissistic personality disorder” was coined by psychologist Heinz Kohut. Narcissistic personality disorder (or ‘NPD’) is defined as:

“…a personality disorder with a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.”

Clinical treatment of NPD is not well-studied but is thought to be difficult – as those with NPD cannot see their condition as a problem. NPD occurs more often in males, affects roughly one percent of the population, and is far more common in younger people than older.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) – the diagnostic literature published by the American Psychological Association (APA) – lists ten recognized symptoms of NPD:

A sense of grandiosity
Expecting superior treatment from others
Exploiting others for personal gain without feelings of guilt
An inability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others
Strong feelings of envy towards others
Constantly engaging in the bullying, belittling, and demeaning of others
A sense of entitlement and the need to be treated special
The need to be perceived as superior and unique
Obsession over desired traits such as attractiveness, intelligence, power, and success
The need to be constant admiration from other people

Narcissists + Projection = Manipulation

“When the [narcissistic] individual is in the superior position, defending against shame, the grandiose self aligns with the inner critic and devalues others through projection.” – Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT

Here’s how narcissists use projection to manipulate you (and what to do about it):

1. They “Call You Out”

Perhaps the most straightforward way to project is to call someone out. When a narcissist calls you out, you can bet they’re doing so for two reasons: (a) to get you to do something, (b) to attack you or both. Guilt-tripping is among the most common methods narcissists use. They may get frustrated and verbally attack you if that doesn’t work.

What to do: In any case, don’t take the bait. Recognize the behavior for what it is: a shameless, insulting attempt to manipulate your thoughts and feelings. You have something they want – don’t give it to them!

2. They Mimic

While narcissists have the emotional depth of a puddle, they’re smart enough (many are highly intelligent) to know that emotionality matters to people. For this reason, narcissists will often mimic the emotional behaviors they see elsewhere to convince someone of their genuine nature.

For the narcissist, the problem with this tactic is that mimicry goes against the grain of innate human behavior. Assuming they’re not some CIA-trained spy, the entire façade will become apparent sooner or later.

What to do: Be observant. Someone’s core personality will always make itself known. You have to keep your eyes and ears open.

3. They Use Character Assassination

If you’ve been the victim of character assassination, you may know the far-reaching effects. Targeting someone’s character is the ultimate “go for the jugular” act. When a narcissist engages in character assassination, it’s often out of vengeance or to win people over for some reason.

What to do: The most important thing here is not to panic. Most have pretty good sense when getting a feel for someone’s character. For this reason, we’re naturally cautious when someone verbally attacks another’s person. If these things occur in a work environment, you may need to speak with your manager, human resources, or the legal department.

4. They Play the Victim

Narcissists love to play the victim. At first, anyway. Why? Because they realize that most of us have some sensitive core. We don’t like to see other people suffer. We want to help alleviate that suffering. Narcissists are all too eager to take advantage of this near-universal human trait. For this reason, the narcissist will also project a “Woe is me” demeanor.

Some less-intelligent narcissists make the critical error of playing the victim to one person. If this is the case, it’s much easier to see through the charade.

What to do: Remember to remain observant and keep your ear to the ground. If you’re particularly sensitive (e.g., an empath), ensure that you’re offering your assistance only to people you know well.

3. They Shape Shift

When a narcissist feels that they’ve got the victim where they want, they’ll quickly drop the act. They do so because they’re confident that the victim will offer little if any resistance. Indeed, this is often the last opportunity that the potential – or, by this point, possibly real – the victim will have to minimize the damage.

If you catch onto the shape-shifting, don’t expect the narcissist to go quietly into the night. Remember, narcissists are experts in the art of manipulation – and they may still be able to flummox you just enough that you’ll keep them around.

Final Bit of Advice on Dealing with Narcissists

At this juncture, it is critical that you not hesitate to “end it.” Unless that person has some undiagnosed mental health disorder, there’s just no rational explanation for displaying extremes along the personality spectrum. Particularly if you’re being hurt in the interim.

Scientists Explain The Best Sleep Postures to Reduce Back Pain

July 28, 2019 by Power of Positivity

Back pain ranges from mild discomfort to excruciating to anything in between. In fact it is incredibly common.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, back pain is the leading cause of disability in the world. In the United States alone, nearly 80 million working adults experience back pain yearly, resulting in more than 264 million days of work missed.

Here are some other back pain facts:

80% of people will experience back pain sometime in their lives.
Back pain is the 3^rd most common reason for doctor visits. (Skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint problems are first and second, respectively.)
Lower back pain costs Americans up to $100 billion yearly, resulting in lower productivity and lost wages.
Most back pain cases are not attributable to medical conditions but sudden mechanical alterations to the back’s structure (e.g., a slipped disk or degenerative disk.)
The number of disabled people due to lower back pain rose 54% between 1990 and 2015.
While most people with lower back pain recover, reoccurring lower back pain problems often reoccur. For an unfortunate minority, lower back pain progresses into a chronic and potentially disabling condition.
As you’ll read, posture plays a critical role in our back health. Of course, this includes how our body is positioned for sleep.

This article focuses on the best sleep positions for certain types of back pain. By implementing some of the sleep positions mentioned, we hope that you will experience a better, deeper, more satisfying night’s sleep.

Other topics of discussion: the causes of back pain and other steps that you can take to reduce the risk of back pain.

What Causes Back Pain? Evolution.

“Bad backs, dangerous childbirths, sore feet and wisdom teeth pains are among the many ailments humans face from evolution…” ~Charles Q. Choi (source)

The back is a very fickle part of the body. (Raise your hand if you ever threw your back out of place, reaching for the shampoo. Oh, that’s just me? Okay then!

All joking aside, the back is a complex piece of human machinery with numerous moving parts – bones, joints, muscles, disks, and vertebrae. Even the slightest movement can inexplicably throw one of these components – and most of the surrounding area – out of whack.

First Sign of Back Pain

The first sign something’s gone wrong? Pain. Often of the excruciating variety.

Other situations or health conditions that may instigate or worsen back pain include arthritis, poor posture (including while sleeping), lifting heavy objects, obesity or being overweight, and psychological stress.

In effect, the process of biological evolution is to blame for most of the back problems we face. Of all evolutionary adaptations, the fact that we are erect bipods puts us at a particular disadvantage when maintaining skeletal health.

Scientists say that our upright posture places more pressure from gravity onto the spine. According to Bruce Latimer, an anatomist and anthropologist at Case Western Reserve University, humans are the only species of animal that spontaneously shatter vertebrae.

Lucky us.

Latimer illustrates the flawed design of the human spine by likening its components to cups and saucers. 24 cups represent the separate vertebra of the spinal column, and the saucers represent the disks in between each vertebra. “Then take a [heavy book] and put it on top. This is the head. If you are really careful you can balance it – otherwise there’s a lot of porcelain on the ground.” In other words, our back and spine are fragile.

Another trait that may exacerbate back troubles: how we walk, with one foot in front while swinging the opposite arm. Latimer says that this repetitious swinging-while-walking motion, over time, can cause the vertebra to break down. The result: herniated disks, chronic back pain, disability, or all of the above.

Let’s now break down the five best sleep postures for back pain.

5 Sleep Postures for Back Pain

Here are five sleep postures for various types of back pain.

Side Sleeping With a Pillow Between Your Legs

Instructions:

(1) Rotate your body onto its side. The entire side of your body – except your head if using a pillow – should make contact with the mattress.

(2) Rest a small pillow between your knees. Adjust how the pillow sits if in any way uncomfortable.

(3) If there is any space between your waist and the mattress, use a small cushion or pillow for support.

How it helps: Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees aligns the hips, pelvis, and spine. All three parts of the body can irritate any present back pain, particularly in the lower back. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable, this position may help.

It is important to remember to switch sides occasionally to avoid any possible spinal imbalances, misalignments, and worsening pain.

Side Sleeping in the Fetal Position

Instructions:

(1) First, lie on your back and slowly roll onto your side.

(2) Fold your knees toward your chest while lowering your torso toward the knees.

(3) Switch sides occasionally to avoid any misalignments and when discomfort arises proactively.

How it helps: Side sleeping in the fetal position is often preferred among those with a foraminal hernia, a hernia condition wherein the enlargement of joint in the spinal canal causes the disc space to narrow. The fetal position extends this narrowed space, resulting in less pressure on the nerve root.

On Your Stomach With a Pillow Under The Abdomen

Instructions:

(1) Get on all fours and place a comfortable pillow underneath your abdominal region.

(2) Slowly lower yourself down into your sleeping position.

How it helps: Individuals with a degenerative disc condition or paracentral disc herniation may find that this position offers the most relief. The reason is that raising your abdomen while at rest eases the tension between the disc and affected vertebra.

Something to be mindful of is that sleeping on your stomach may place more stress on your neck, possibly increasing the risk of back problems. As such, this position should be reserved for those with or at risk of developing paracentral disc herniation.

On your back with a pillow under the knees

Instructions:

(1) Lie flat on your back.

(2) Position a pillow underneath your knees to keep your spine in place. You may find the shape of the pillow makes all the difference. If you feel in any way uncomfortable, try another pillow.

(3) If your lower back is uncomfortable, try situating a rolled-up towel underneath the small of the back for added support.

How it helps: Sleeping on your back helps to redistribute your weight, and the pillow expands the spaces between the affected disks in the lower back. The back is the widest part of your body, and spreading the weight across it takes some of the strain off your pressure points. Finally, your spinal column is in a more natural alignment than other sleeping positions.

Lean back and sleep

Instructions: This last sleep posture requires either an adjustable bed or recliner. Sleeping in a reclined position, though not usually considered an ideal sleeping arrangement, may be helpful for easing the pain inherent in a small number of back conditions, including isthmic spondylolisthesis.

How it helps: Resting in recline forms a natural angle between the thighs and torso, reducing the pressure on the spine. Note that you may need to adjust this angle before finding a fixed position that lets you sleep through the night.

Final Thoughts: Aligning Yourself to Thwart Back Pain

Here is a final tip that may help ease some of your pain:

Be mindful of the alignment between your ears, shoulders, and hips. All three should form as close to a 180-degree line as possible. This “rule” applies to every sleeping position and back problem. Keeping this area aligned helps stabilize the entire body, vital to reducing back pain.

Scientists Explain The 12 Best Foods For Your Brain

July 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

The food that we ingest has a significant impact on how the brain functions. Just as we avoid junk food due to adverse effects on the body, we should do so for the brain.

For example, it’s a scientific fact that individuals who eat junk food, including fast food, are more than 50 percent more likely to suffer from depression. Depression is both the cause and effect of increased junk food consumption, says Dr. David Katz.

“Higher intake of fast food may very well increase risks of depression by causing poor health in general. But depression may also increase fast food intake,” Katz states.

In this article, we’re going to discuss the dangers of unwholesome food on your brain, including what specific foods that you should minimize or avoid. We’ll also list what scientists say are the 12 best foods for your brain and why.

Your Brain on Junk Food

“Nearly everything on McDonald’s menu contains some sugar, from the drinks to the ketchup to the hamburger buns and fries. McDonald’s knows that most people are going to shell out the extra dollar for a soft drink because sugar is addictive.” ~ Joshua Gowin, Ph.D. (source)

Fast food establishments such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s are the worst offenders. You can’t even trust their so-called “healthy” menu items.

Only the former could make a ‘fruit and yogurt’ item that contains 22 grams of sugar (the maximum recommended intake is 24 grams.) Only the latter would advertise a “healthy” apple pecan chicken salad that includes 40 grams of added sugar.

But fast-food chains far from the only culprits. Manufacturers of most processed foods – nearly all grocery items that comprise the aisles and freezers – saturate their products with not only added sugar, but a ton of salt, additives, and preservatives as well.

The research into fast food

The studies that implicate the food manufacturing and fast food industries for borderline irresponsible practices are plenty. But one of the most eye-opening was released by researchers at the Scripps Research (previously the ‘Scripps Research Institute,’ or TSRI).

Per the research, foods like hamburgers, potato chips, baked goods, and fatty meats (e.g., sausages) hijack the brain’s pleasure and reward center in ways that are strikingly similar to that of illicit drugs such as heroin. Dr. Paul Kenny, a neuroscientist who overlooked the research, adds, “You lose control [over eating]. It’s the hallmark of addiction.”

Kenny goes so far as to say that treatments traditionally reserved for curing drug dependency may be useful for treating obesity, which he attributes as a potential “form of compulsive eating.”

Besides increasing the risk of obesity, junk food also contributes to numerous other physical and mental conditions, including:

– Brain damage

– Cancer

– Cognitive disorders, e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

– Learning and memory dysfunctions

The 12 Best Foods For Your Brain

All of the foods mentioned thus far only serve to damage your body and brain. In this section, we’ll list off the 12 food items that scientists say are among the best for promoting brain health.

Here we go!

Blueberries

Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of “brain berries” is their rich concentration of antioxidants – substances that inhibit cell deterioration and death through oxidation.

In a study published in the journal Applied Physiology, participants who were given the equivalent of 230 grams of blueberries showed “significant increases in brain activity” as well as “[improved] brain blood flow, brain activation … and … working memory.”

Antioxidants play a critical role in the prevention of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, and degenerative eye disease.

Recommended serving: 1 cup per day.

Oily Fish

Oily fish such as mackerel or, better still, salmon, contain high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA.

Multiple studies demonstrate that DHA plays critical roles in the brain, such as neurogenesis (cellular birth), neurotransmission (cell signaling), and controlling neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain.) DHA consumption is linked to tangible cognitive benefits as well, such as those on advanced cognitive functioning.

Recommended serving: two servings of 3.5 ounces per week.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in two critical nutrients for cognitive function – magnesium and zinc. The former promotes learning, reasoning, and thinking skills. The latter helps transmit nerve signals throughout the body, including to and from the brain.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin E. They are also a good plant-based source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Recommended serving: variable – eat as a snack

Eggs

Egg yolks contain the vitamin-like substance choline, which is a necessary element for neurogenesis. Choline is also used for the production of acetylcholine, which is vital for cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Eggs also contain various B-vitamins, including B12 which promotes proper cognition.

A study published in 2009 shows that acetylcholine supplementation enhances “persistent spiking” in neurons associated with the storage of new (short-term) information.

Recommended serving: 1-2 whole eggs per day

Seaweed

Seaweed contains a plethora of brain-boosting minerals, including iodine. Iodine both helps to maintain nervous system health and support cognitive function.

Research shows that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of worldwide mental impairment. Other sources of iodine include seafood and fortified bread.

Recommended serving (RDI, iodine): 150 mcg per day

Dark Chocolate

Yes, dark chocolate is legit brain food. Cacao, the raw version of cocoa, is high in potent antioxidants called flavanols. In a 2018 study, individuals who ate 48 grams of dark chocolate – the equivalent of a full-size bar – showed increased brain activity across the cortex areas related to cognition and memory.

Recommended serving: One 48-gram bar with 70% cacao once per week.

Avocados

Avocados are nearly as effective as blueberries in promoting brain health. The reason? ‘Cados are rich in healthy monosaturated fat, which encourages healthy blood flow, including to the brain.

A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that eating one whole avocado per day improves both brain and eye function in older adults.

Recommended serving: ½ to 1 avocado daily for cognitive benefits.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are known for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting healthy blood flow. One particularly healthy type is wheat germ, which contains rich amounts of omega-3s and vitamin E.

Recommended serving: 3 to 5 servings daily

Beans

Beans are a great source of fuel for the brain, proving a steady, lengthy energy supply. Additionally, beans are also good for stabilizing blood sugar levels, which help to prevent the dreaded mid-afternoon energy crash.

Lentils, in particular, including black beans, might be the best option for realizing max benefits.

Recommended serving: 1 ½ cup per day.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants which, as we’ve covered, are essential for proper brain functioning. “Probably no part of the body is more sensitive to the damage from free radicals as the brain,” states neurologist David Perlmutter.

Recommended serving: 2 ounces/daily diluted with water

Fresh Tea

While coffee will probably never be supplanted as the world’s most popular beverage, freshly-brewed tea may be worth checking out if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Tea contains both antioxidants called catechins, which studies show helps promote cerebral blood flow. Tea also contains a moderate dose of caffeine, which can be beneficial by enhancing focus, memory, and mood.

Recommended serving: 1 8-ounce serving per day

Walnuts

Walnuts are probably the best type of nuts for promoting raw brainpower because of their extra dose of omega-3s. These nuts are also rich in other brain-boosting nutrients, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E.

Recommended serving: 1 4-ounce serving per day

Final Thoughts: What’s Monaco doing right?

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, registering a whole .85 square miles (2.2 km). Located on the French Riviera, Monaco is home to about 39,000 citizens.

A statistic that isn’t minuscule is Monaco’s average life expectancy (ALE) of 89.5 years.

To illustrate just how exorbitantly high this number is, consider the runners up. The second-closest nation is super-healthy Japan, whose citizens’ ALE still trails the Monacans by a staggering four to five years, depending on which dataset you’re looking at.

First, we must consider the fact that the country is rather well off. This is critical as most research demonstrates a strong correlation between income and life expectancy. About one-third of its citizens are millionaires, and the average household income is approximately $168,000.

Could the large pockets of the average Monacan explain this ALE gap? This appears unlikely. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Americans with an income of $256,000 live an average of just over 85 years.

So, it’s not income. Nor is it a small population.

The Mediterranean Connection

The nation’s otherworldly ALE numbers may just be because of where Monaco is situated – right on the Mediterranean Sea. As such, the inhabitant’s diet largely consists of a healthier version of what we call the ‘Mediterranean Diet.’ The overarching feature of the Mediterranean diet is its large intake of plant-based foods.

Meat from the Mediterranean Diet is sparse and mostly consists of fish and seafood. Other foods items include vegetables, olive oil, legumes, herbs, spices, and whole grains.

The research appears to back up this hypothesis. Per Harvard University, a study of 26,000 women found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet were 25 percent less likely to develop heart disease over 12 years.

In another study, participants who followed a Mediterranean-type eating plan were nearly 50 percent more likely to age healthfully. A proper Mediterranean diet may also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., dementia, as well as depression.

5 Traits That Introverts Don’t Have (That Most People Think They Do)

July 27, 2019 by Power of Positivity

I’m not a big fan of labels. For one, labeling someone as “that” indicates that they’re a one-sided creature. For example, a person with 100% that and 0% this. There are very few scenarios where such a conclusion can be considered valid. The labels we assign to introverts is no exception.

The same thing applies to the psychologytopics of introversion and extroversion. Those who ‘belong’ to the former are labeled introverts; to the latter, extroverts.

For now, the specifics of each personality type doesn’t matter. Suffice to say that it’s scarce to find a 100% this and 0% that (or 0% that and 100% this – okay, you get the point!) There’s a term for people who ‘fall’ somewhere along the middle of the continuum: ‘ambivert.’ More on this later.

So, please know that we’re not trying to put you into a box.

Onward.

Definition of Introverts

For the purpose of brevity and conciseness, we’re going to define introverts as “individuals who are predominantly concerned with their internal world.” As such, extroverts are more focused on the external – things with which they can tangibly engage using their senses. Introverts tend to be more cerebral; tuned into their inner lives.

That said, the contemporary stance of psychologists – including those from the fields of contemplative psychology (e.g., Buddhist psychology), positive psychology, and modern psychology – is that there’s something to the whole ‘introvert v. extrovert’ thing.

The purpose of this article will be to “correct” some of the common misconceptions – and misgivings – of introverts. Indeed, such a report is necessary given the day-to-day discrimination that many introverts face – a contentious topic we’ll wrap up with in the ‘Final Thoughts’ section.

We’ll also discuss the differences between introverts and extroverts, the ‘pros and cons’ of each. And finally, we will look at five traits that most people think introverts have.

Introversion and Extroversion

“Each person seems to be energized more by either the external world (extraversion) or the internal world (introversion).” ~ Carl Jung (src)

“A prototypical extrovert can be defined as talkative, outgoing, prefers taking charge, expresses positive emotion, and enjoys seeking out new experiences … a prototypical introvert is quiet, emotionally, reserved, less energetic, and harder to get to know.” ~ Wilmot, M.P., et al. (src)

Attributes of Extraverts vs. Introverts

The terms ‘introversion’ and ‘extroversion’ are thought to have first been coined by the founder of analytical psychology, Carl Jung. The differences between the two personality types are many, and include:

Attribute	Extravert	Introvert
Thinking Style	Impulsive; faster	Deliberate; slower
Effects of Social Interaction	Gains energy; desires further interaction	Loses energy; desires solitude to ‘recharge.’
Stimulation Needs	High	Moderate to low
Preferred style of Communication	Large group-oriented	Small group-oriented, one-on-one
Energy levels	High	Moderate to low
Attentional Skills	Low	High

In day-to-day life, each personality type enjoys certain advantages over the other. For example:

Extraverts:

Feel more comfortable in social situations, permitting them a more vibrant social life.
Are more comfortable stepping into leadership roles, which may help explain why they earn more money than introverts on average.
Outnumber introverts, giving them majority advantage in multiple areas, including the workplace.
Have more energy to expend on the things that interest them.

Introverts:

May enjoy stronger personal relationships due to their reflective nature and excellent listening ability.
Tend to perform better at complex tasks – a nod to their raw processing abilities.
May communicate more thoughtfully; this is likely a byproduct of the thorough approach in which introverts observe and process information.

5 Traits That Introverts Don’t Have (That Most People Think They Do)

While there exists a bias towards extroversion in multiple places, the corporate world is one institution where this bias is most evident.

However, Adam Grant, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, insists that introverts are becoming more accepted, albeit slower than he’d like. Grant writes:

“‘Raise your hand if you’re an introvert.’ … I made this request to more than 200 MBA students at Wharton. In 2011, only a few students raised their hands. In 2013, more than a third [did].” Grant attributes these additions to the introvert family to his students being “more willing to admit it publicly now.”

And like many others who’ve studied introversion, Grant recognizes the extravert bias that still exists in the West. As a professor of business, Grant is acutely aware of the significant gap between introverts and extroverts in positions of responsibility.

On this point, statistics estimate that introverts make up just around 2 percent of upper management positions. Perhaps more disconcerting: at the ‘supervisor’ level only one step up from the general workforce, introverts make up just 12 percent.

Introverts Are Outnumbered

In spite of the fact that introverts comprise up to 50 percent of the population (the actual number is likely closer to 25 to 40 percent.)

The inconvenient fact is that discrimination against introverts is widespread; just as it is with multiple other minority groups – African-Americans, Asian-Americans, LGTBQ, pregnant women, disabled and disabled persons, the elderly, and so forth.

It is the responsibility of those in the minority, and conscientious and informed citizens, to cast a spotlight on misconceptions. Doing so helps to ensure that these misconceptions do not become a rationale for further discrimination – thereby perpetuating the problem.

On that note, and in that spirit, let’s identify and inform. Here are five misconceptions of introverts:

Introverts are shy (introversion = shyness)

We can put this one to bed by comparing and contrasting the definitions of the two words.

Shyness is defined as “the feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness, especially when a person is around other people.” Introversion is defined as: “orientation toward the internal private world of one’s self and inner thoughts and feelings, rather than toward the outer world…”

So shyness and introversion are by no means mutually exclusive, and the presence of one trait in no way indicates that of the other.

Introverts are anti-social

Definition time, part Deux. Anti-social: “contrary [in opposition to] the laws and customs of society; devoid of or antagonistic to sociable instincts or practices.” The casual but still inaccurate and crude definition of the word – “like a hermit” – is still extreme.

Introversion has must less to do with proactively avoiding people than it does the behavior following extended periods of social interaction. Most introverts get along fine with people and enjoy social interaction, but usually to a much lesser degree than their extravert counterparts.

Introverts are not good leaders

This is another socially acceptable and entirely ignorant viewpoint. Only in the West do we equal good leadership with volatile expression and overt displays of personal energy. And nevermind that these traits have little to nothing to do with effective management, never mind leadership.

One professional role that demands elite leadership qualities is that of a professional or collegiate coach. On that note, have you ever heard of Mike Krzyzewski? “Coach K” is the beloved head basketball coach of the Duke Blue Devils, one of the most storied college basketball teams in history.

He also happens to hold the record for most wins of any coach in basketball history – and he’s a huge introvert. Research also happens to show that introverts may end up being better leaders, anyways.

Introverts can’t connect with people like extroverts

This depends on how you define the word “connect.” Are we talking about the sheer number of social connections? If so, then extroverts do connect with people better.

Now, if you’re referring to the depth of connection, then the opposite is often exact. For most, the extent of connection is what springs to mind when the words “connect with,” and “people” are used. The quality of a relationship between two people is often determined by one or both persons listening ability. On this note, studies continuously demonstrate that introverts score better on tasks requiring critical listening skills.

Introverts are “slow.”

Yeah, there are people who think introverts are mentally “slower” than extraverts.

Once again, there’s no evidence to suggest that this is true. There is, however, one ‘caveat’: extraverts may score higher than introverts in tasks that measure cognitive processing speed. But even in this case, we’re talking about milliseconds.

In other words: a reserved demeanor has absolutely no correlation with thinking abilities. You heard it here first.

Final Thoughts: Curbing Personality Discrimination

Quieter and more thoughtful people have a harder time getting along in societies that prefer extraverted personalities. That’s why we see this as early as grade school, where the quiet types are often targeted for being “weird.” Unfortunately, bullies target them for their traits.

The fact that this hostility and ignorance apparently carries into the adult workplace should be considered both abominable and entirely unacceptable.

The fact that introverted kids might be denied entry into their college of choice for low scores on some arbitrary “Personality Test” is despicable – and may indeed be criminal.

Discrimination against anyone, for any reason – skin color, gender, age, personality – is beneath us as the human race of which we are all a part.

History of Dreams

50 Dream Meanings to Pay Close Attention To

You can’t find a bathroom

You’re losing teeth

You’re lost in a house or building

You’re totally naked

You’re in the house where you grew up

You’re running from something

You’re late or miss an appointment

Your car breaks down

You’re dreaming about falling

A dream about someone who hurt you

You’re taking a test and didn’t study

Your dream consists of rapidly changing places and people

You can fly

You dream of dying

Dreaming of someone dying

You have no shoes on

A storm such as a tornado or a hurricane

You’re pregnant

Your car is out of control

Dreams about travel

Dreams about an ex

Fights with an ex

You’re meeting a celebrity

Dreams about intimacy

Nightmares

You’re being cheated on

Dreams about water

You’ve slept with someone you shouldn’t have

You have a secret

You cheated on your partner

You come across a hidden room

You have been abducted by aliens

There are people breaking into your house

Your child has gotten separated from you

Dreams about bugs

Roads

You’re in a plane crash

Dreaming about vacation

Money

Dreams about fire

You can’t speak or move

The end of the world

You feel trapped or crushed

Dreams about drowning

You’re wearing a mask

You’re back in high school

Dreams about spiders

Dreams about snakes

Food

Houses

Final thoughts about dream meanings to never ignore

Here are thirty things you ought to do to make it so:

1) Know and act.

2) Always be prepared.

3) Let your motivation be internal.

4) Never be satisfied.

5) Stay in control.

6) Always be true to yourself.

7) Keep the pressure on.

8) No fear of failure consequences.

9) Other people compete with you, not vice versa.

10) Always strive for learning.

11) Success is not enough.

12) You can handle success.

13) No external blame game.

14) Let your work do the talking.

15) Improve your mental strength.

16) Confidence is the key.

17) Surrounding yourself with people who remind you of a great future.

18) Let things go, but do not forget.

19) Have clear goals.

20) Answer instantly with no hesitation.

21) Choose simplicity over complicated.

22) Be happy for someone else with their achievements.

23) Go for it!

24) Never rest on your laurels.

25) Think and act 10X.

26) Set goals far exceeding your current limitations.

References:
Hardy B P., “Do These 30 Things If You Want To Be Unstoppable”
Success Magazine: http://www.success.com/blog/do-these-30-things-if-you-want-to-be-unstoppable

Rise and Shine On!
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