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Read This Before Buying CBD Vapes

CBD Vape

Vaping CBD is one of the easiest and most effective ways to enjoy this non-intoxicating cannabinoid. With there being wide differences in quality between the various CBD vapes on the market, however, it pays to learn everything there is to know about this hemp product category before you make a purchase. In this guide, learn everything you should keep in mind as you hunt down the perfect CBD pen for your needs.

What Are CBD Vapes?

CBD vapes are vape pens that contain CBD-rich hemp extract. Usually offered either in the form of vape cartridges that attach to rechargeable batteries or disposable vape pens, CBD vapes can contain a wide variety of different extract types and additional ingredients. Only two ingredients are acceptable in CBD vapes, however, and third-party lab reports should always be provided to verify the quality of a CBD vape you’re considering buying.

CBD Vape Buying Checklist

Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a CBD vape to buy online? Use this simple checklist to make sure you end up with a high-quality CBD vape that will fully fulfill your needs:

— No Harmful Ingredients

Vapes have nowhere near the ability to harm as is claimed by sensationalized media stories, but that doesn’t mean all vape products are 100% safe. In the end, it comes down to the ingredients included, and as long as there’s nothing in your vape that doesn’t come from hemp or cannabis flower, you’re generally in the clear.

The vapes produced by the popular hemp brand Bonata, for instance, are excellent examples of exactly what to do when producing CBD vape products. Containing zero PG, VG, or vitamin E acetate, the only two ingredients in Bonata’s vapes are full-spectrum CBD distillate and cannabis-derived terpenes. That’s all you need to make an excellent vape, and any additional ingredients would only harm instead of help. (1)

— Third-Party Lab Reports

Lab reports produced by a reputable third-party laboratory will serve as indispensable tools as you select the right CBD vape for your needs. It’s a sign that a CBD vape company values transparency and has nothing to hide if they provide their lab tests front and center on every single product page.

Complete CBD vape lab reports include information on cannabinoid and terpene potency along with mycotoxin, heavy metal, and residual solvent levels. If any of this information is missing, you will be incapable of independently verifying the quality of the CBD vape product in question.

— Company Reputation

You can learn a lot about a CBD vape manufacturer from a single Google search. Look through all the information you can find on a CBD brand before you buy any of its products, including reviews on external websites and product reviews left by customers. If a CBD vape brand seems unreliable in any way, choose a competitor instead.

— Vape Quality

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but if an in-depth analysis reveals any points of concern regarding a CBD vape product, remember that there are many higher-quality vapes out there to discover. A CBD vape should include purified distillate, and genuine cannabis terpenes, and feature high-quality hardware and clear, professionally edited product photos.

— Type of Extract

Most CBD vapes on the market now contain full-spectrum CBD distillate instead of the lower-quality option, CBD isolate. The quality of the terpenes present in CBD vapes, however, varies considerably.

While there’s no indication that they’re unsafe, botanical terpenes are difficult to mix and often taste too harsh. Cannabis terpenes (which don’t get you high) are considered to be the gold standard in CBD vapes.

— Terpenes

Whether they’re derived from cannabis or other plants, the balance of terpenes present in your CBD vape will have a major impact on its effects. Terpenes from strongly Sativa-leaning strains, for instance, usually provide uplifting and energizing effects while Indica terpenes are more relaxing or even sleep-inducing. CBD vapes with hybrid terpenes provide a mixture of Indica and Sativa effects.

How to Choose the Best CBD Vape for Your Needs

You now know how to select between high-quality CBD vape brands and companies that won’t make the cut, but how do you choose a vape that’s perfect for you? If you want to vape CBD to help with depression or anxiety, you might be better off with an uplifting Sativa strain.

People combating chronic pain every day, however, generally prefer CBD vapes with hybrid terpenes. If you’re planning to vape CBD to relax in the evening or get to sleep at night, give a full-blooded Indica a shot. (2)

The Psychology Behind Sexuality – Why Do We Think Bigger Is Better

Our sexuality is what defines us as humans. Of course, the primary goal is to continue the species. There is much more to sex than the strong evolutionary urge to propagate. Having sexual encounters can also be a source of sensual gratification. Enjoyment and excitement. Yes, even pure joy. We get more excited about being sexual when our boobs, dicks, shoulders, and butts are larger. The thrill of touching and being caressed by another warm and seductive huge body, the building anticipation of sexual release, the peak ecstasy of orgasm, and the throbbing, tranquil afterglow of relaxation that follows climax are all earthly and earthly delights of the flesh.lady

Bigger Boobs

Big, fully formed boobs in a woman who has never given birth may indicate sexual maturity and fertility in males. Moreover, women with naturally huge tits have a higher sex hormone level than women with smaller tits, and this is true regardless of the waist-to-hip ratio. The size of a woman’s tits could indicate her superior genetics. Big boobs are more likely to be asymmetrical than tiny ones due to instabilities at various phases of development. Large, symmetrical boobs may be preferred over asymmetrical ones due to the correlation between low fluctuating asymmetry and favorable genotype. The other hypothesis is that breast size is a better predictor of attractiveness ratings and strongly correlates with fertility within a certain range of body mass. Large boobs may seem more appealing to unconstrained males because of their importance in reproduction

Bigger Dicks

Men’s confidence in their larger-than-average dick size report higher levels of self-esteem and sexual satisfaction in general. Since a man’s perception of his dick size is associated with his testosterone levels, cultural expectations of masculinity, and a general sense of self-worth, it stands to reason that he will seek out more sexual encounters. Does size matter? : a study of the psychology of men and masculinity Attitudes toward penis size in middle-aged men and women: According to the results of this study, male participants who perceived their penis size to be greater than usual rated their overall attractiveness as higher. Men who are egotistical or self-assured are more likely to believe they have larger penises and to initiate sexual contact with women. For the record, research shows that heterosexual women do desire an above-average erection size. At this point, virtually everyone agrees that a large penis is desirable, and if you fancy owning such a thing, congratulations! Energy like that comes from Big Dick, man.

Bigger Butts

Even evolutionary psychologists can’t deny that butts are currently experiencing their zenith. Men have an innate preference for women with larger butts; as the saying goes, “guys want a little more booty to hug at night.” When it comes to evolution, it’s not a matter of who can hold their own. You want to find a partner “who has genes that code for health, vitality, and fertility.” There are two reasons slim waists and broad hips are highly desired. “Male observers assess these as being attractive, but they have no idea why they do. Her having a small waist indicates that a woman is not pregnant. And if her hips are wide, that suggests her underlying skeletal shape is conducive to a straightforward delivery. 

Bigger Shoulders Are More Valuable

The waist-to-hip ratio predicts both sexes’ health, fitness, and sexual attractiveness. Another study indicated that while women care about a man’s waist-to-chest ratio, they don’t care much about his hip ratio. Men with triangular bodies, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist are universally seen as more handsome. The letter “V” symbolizes victory, and so is a V-shaped body. The broad shoulders of some men may make them ideal fathers. While men with broad shoulders are often viewed as more beautiful, stronger, and more successful, the greatest advantage is the increased probability that they are viewed as better mates. This is because more attractive people have a better chance of finding a partner and are pickier about which they choose to settle down with.man

The psychology behind Bigger is better is caused by an intrinsic desire to be seen and appreciated. The people who have the least confidence in themselves are the ones who want the most monumental achievements, as they are desperate for external validation of what they already know to be true: that they are worthy of respect and admiration despite the absence of anything larger. The necessity of survival is another inspiration for this. In this case, it appears that bigger is better when it comes to security. Last, it results from avarice, fueled by a lack of fulfillment, bigger breasts, genitalia, etc. If you’re missing anything on the inside, this should fill the sexual void.

8 Reasons Why Lumbar Fusion is the Best Option for You

Lumbar

The spine is one of the most important structures in our body. It must stay strong and healthy for optimal function of the vertebral column. Injuries and degeneration can lead to immense pain, numbness, and difficulty walking or breathing. Lumbar Fusion is one of the best ways to address these injuries and promote healing. This treatment is used to correct both degenerative and traumatic spinal conditions. It involves fusing two or more adjacent vertebrae to correct a severe spinal injury, as well as other complications that may occur. (1)

Here are some of the benefits of this procedure.

1. Strengthening of The Spine

The spine comprises bones called vertebrae stacked on top of one another. Between each bone is a disc that acts as a shock absorber and allows the bones to move easily without creating pain. Lumbar Fusion is fusing two or more vertebrae to strengthen the spine and relieve back pain. This Fusion helps stabilize the vertebrae, thus reducing stress on the discs and spinal joints. The strength and stability of the spine are also crucial for healthy posture and movement. A lumbar fusion is an excellent treatment to regain the ability to walk and exercise after a spinal injury.

2. Eliminate Pain and Numbness

One of the main issues with lumbar discs is that they can herniate, or rupture. This may cause intense back pain and radiating pain down into the legs. Pain is a significant sign of damage to the spine. A lumbar fusion allows for vertebrae to be fused to promote stability and relieve pressure on the nerves that may have been damaged. Severe back pain can cause significant complications, such as increased medical bills and loss of productivity, as well as causing physical discomfort and emotional stress. With lumbar Fusion, the spine becomes more robust, allowing for improved movement and less pain.

3. Restoration of Spinal Mobility

The fusion process involves restoring the ability of the spine to move freely while stabilizing the vertebrae to limit pain. The Fusion is controlled so that the vertebrae get stabilized without causing any further pain. Your doctor will use a screw or bolt to keep the vertebrae in place to heal properly. Once the Fusion is complete, your doctor will begin a physical therapy process to restore mobility. This will help you regain mobility and stability to return to living an active lifestyle.

4. Promote Healing and Prevent Further Damage

A lumbar fusion will involve removing the disc causing the pain to promote healing. This is done with a discogram and an x-ray of the spine. This will allow new discs to be formed to prevent further pain and swelling. It also promotes healing by giving the damaged area a chance to recover from inflammation and repair itself.

5. The Procedure is Minimally Invasive

The Fusion is accomplished with minimal discomfort and no need for major surgery. The procedure will only involve relaxing the muscles surrounding the spine and inserting an instrument into the spinal canal. Minimally invasive lumbar fusion requires no incisions or invasive techniques.

6. The Procedure Can Be Done in An Outpatient Facility

You can go home after the surgery. This limits exposure to infections and complications resulting from the surgery. The procedure only takes a few hours. After the surgery, you will spend a short time in the hospital, where your doctor monitors the healing process.

7. The Procedure Is Safe for The Patient

Lumbar Fusion is a safe procedure when done by an experienced surgeon. It has become easier to perform as technology has evolved. The Fusion is performed very controlled manner that allows for minimal damage to the surrounding nerves and muscles. Your doctor will use only the highest-quality instruments and surgical techniques in the facility.

8. A Comfortable Recovery Period

You should start feeling better relatively quickly after the procedure. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at a local hospital, and you will spend no more than a few hours here. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to continue with your post-surgery regimen, including what to eat, move, and maximize your recovery. You will be monitored closely with regular visits until your doctor is satisfied that you are fully recovered.
Consult a doctor who can help you understand your diagnosis and recommend the best treatment. Lumbar Fusion is a great way to correct the damage and prevent further issues with the spine. This procedure has many benefits that allow you to live an active lifestyle again. (2)

5 Immediate Actions to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing homes are usually seen as safe places where you can take your loved one for care and protection. It’s unimaginable to entertain an idea that your aging parents can experience any form of abuse in such facilities. However, as reports indicate, nursing home abuse is very common. It’s important to indicate that nursing home abuse seems to have drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, understanding the actions to take when you discover nursing facility mistreatment is the best defense. Below, find five immediate and important actions to take if you suspect nursing home abuse. (1)

1. Call 911 in an Emergency

If you realize that your parents are in a life-threatening situation, the best action is to call 911. This will ensure that they receive emergency medical attention if needed and that the authorities are notified of the potential abuse. Working with authorities is the most appropriate way to help your loved one escape an abusive situation and ensure their safety. However, if they’re not facing an emergency, there are some useful approaches you can consider to keep them safe.

2. Notify the Nursing Home Administration

In some situations, the nursing home administration may not be aware of the abuse taking place. Notifying them can help stop the abuse. The administration should have procedures to investigate abuse claims and take appropriate action. You need to write your complaint and ensure you have a copy for your records. You can take your complaint to the state’s long-term care ombudsman if the abuse persists.

3. Gather the Necessary Evidence

You cannot take action to stop the abuse without evidence. If possible, try to gather as much evidence as you can. This may include photos or videos of the abuse, medical records documenting injuries, and witness statements. This evidence will be critical in taking action to stop the abuse and getting your loved one to a safe place. You don’t want to appear in court without this important evidence as this could be problematic.

4. Consult with a Nursing Home Attorney

A nursing home attorney can help you understand your legal options and take action to stop the abuse. They can also help you file a complaint with the state or federal government if necessary. It may be advisable to legally hold them accountable for the abuse. You can learn more at hugheylawfirm.com about how an attorney can help you if your loved one is abused in a nursing home.

5. Get Your Loved One to a Safe Place

Getting your loved one to a safe place should be your top priority. This may mean moving them to another facility. In other cases, it may mean bringing them home with you. Regardless of the situation, you must do what’s best for your loved ones and ensure their safety. This should be highly considered if you realize that your parent is in immediate danger and showing signs of fear and discomfort in the nursing home.

Conclusion

No one should worry about their loved ones being abused in a nursing home. However, abuse is unfortunately all too common. Taking action immediately is important if you suspect nursing home mistreatment. The steps above can help you get your loved one to safety and put an end to the abuse. (2)

10 Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Most recent traffic reports suggest that over 15% of road accidents involve a motorcycle. This may be due to their size, which makes their visibility on the road relatively low, or just carelessness and not observing traffic rules. Motorcycle accidents can be severe and lead to permanent injuries, loss of income, or even death. So, with this article, you’ll find 10 tips on how to avoid motorcycle accidents. (1)

1. Be Visible

Visibility is one of the leading causes of accidents involving motorcycles due to their size. So, to be safe, we advocate for wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing, using turn signals and hand signals, and driving with your headlights on during the day.

2. Take a Safety Course

Most accidents caused by motorcyclists are a result of the motorcyclist not knowing what to do hence them panicking, thus causing an accident. To avoid such a case, you can take a safety course where they’ll educate you on what measures to take in case of an impending accident.

3. Obey the Traffic Rules

The traffic rules were created with the safety of all road users in mind; by observing the rules, you reduce the risks of being involved in or causing an accident.

4. Stay at a Safe Distance

Whenever you are riding, always ensure that you are at least four seconds away from the vehicle ahead; this gives you an allowance you can use to stop during an emergency.

5. Use Freeways Whenever Possible

Freeways offer few chances for other road users to turn across your right of way due to the limited access roads, which make them much safer for motorcyclists.

6. Beware of Your Surroundings When Switching Lanes

When switching lanes, ensure you signal your intent in advance and check your blind spots to ensure there aren’t any motorists around before you finally switch lanes.

7. Watch Your Speed

Whenever you’re riding, always adhere to the speed limit. Also, when approaching rail barriers, rocks, bumps, sharp bends, or city roads, reduce your speed so that you can have enough time to navigate the situation and anticipate what may come next.

8. Always Honk to Notify Other Motorists of Your Presence

It isn’t wise to rely on the noise of your exhaust pipes or other motorist being aware that they share the road with you, so always honk to notify them that you are around.

9. Never Drink and Drive

Operating any vehicle requires your complete attention and awareness; hence it isn’t advisable to operate any machine or vehicle while under the influence or even when stressed. So, before you start riding, ensure that you are sober to avoid causing injuries in a motorcycle accident.

10. Always be Aware of the Weather

Weather conditions such as rain interfere with motorcyclists’ vision and may cause slippery roads. Before you take your motorbike for a ride, ensure you are aware of the weather of both areas you are heading to and the situation of the roads leading to your destination.

Remember, safety starts with you, and always respect other road users. Stay safe. (2)

Why does Stoicism matter in modern life?

Stoicism

Philosophy often gets a bad rep. A lot of people think of it as something quite boring, reserved for old dusty books and libraries – certainly not something that could be applicable to real life. This viewpoint is unfortunate and quite false. 

We all have our own philosophy, whether we like it or not – the difference is that while some famous philosophies are contrived and inapplicable to real life, our personal philosophies are invariably based on experience and truly dictate the way we operate in our daily existence.

There are, however, some ancient philosophies that deserve a renaissance. One of these is Stoicism, a philosophy that is highly relevant to modern ways of life.

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is a Hellenistic philosophy that arose in Ancient Greece in the 3rd century BC, founded by the philosopher Zeno of Citium and arguably most associated with Marcus Aurelius

As a philosophy, it rests on the central tenet that you can achieve a long-lasting, durable internal tranquillity that cannot be shaken by external events. It centers around taking complete control of our internal lives, in order to ensure that our happiness cannot be shaken by changes in our material circumstances. 

Already, it should be becoming quite clear as to why Stoicism matters in modern life. 

It helps bring meaning to our lives

For many of us, the world seems to be increasingly void of meaning. The world around us appears more and more chaotic, with political and climatic turmoil ever present in the media. 

Stoicism can help us by providing a stable source of meaning to our lives – stable because that meaning comes from an internal source rather than the world around us. 

When our purpose is to achieve mastery of the self and our emotions, to persevere in the face of difficulty, and to increase our wisdom, it matters not what the world looks like around us – we become our own source of purpose, our own source of meaning.

It’s self-empowering

Unlike certain other philosophies and worldviews, an adoption of Stoic philosophy almost always leads to a powerful sense of self-empowerment. Stoicism persuades us to become the best person we possibly can, to realize our full potential; in a modern world that can often seem to encourage us to conform, limiting us when it comes to realizing our full capabilities, this kind of worldview can be both refreshing and empowering.

It promotes responsibility

Something that is lacking in today’s day and age is a sense of responsibility. Everything is someone else’s problem – nothing is our fault.

This way of looking at things leads to a societal circle of finger-pointing, with nothing being done to remedy our errors. 

Stoicism promotes a sense of responsibility – each of us is responsible for our own happiness, regardless of our material circumstances. 

While this can be hard to accept at first, in time it can have a powerful effect on the sense of control that you feel over your life’s trajectory and your personal happiness

Cannabis and Romantic Relationships: Weed Is More Connected With Your Love Life Than You Think 

connection

With all the changes to cannabis laws, more people are becoming curious about this herb. Some weed couples claim that their love of marijuana positively impacts their relationship, while others state it has some downsides.

How do buds grown from feminized cannabis seeds and other varieties affect your love life?

According to some tokers, pot may help you navigate the trials of a relationship more calmly. Cannabis also has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, which is a benefit. When you combine weed and relationships, there may be mixed outcomes, some positive and others less so.

Are you ready to discover if toking can take your relationship to new heights? Keep reading to learn more.

Does Marijuana Usage Impact Your Relationship?

Relationships are a complicated concept. When emotions get too intense or communication crumbles, things can become somewhat messy. How do weed connections differ from regular ones? 

Cannabis affects the brain and alters your perception, behaviors, and mood. During the onset of a high, you typically feel euphoria and bliss. It’s easy to associate these feelings with your partner, especially if you both experience the buzz simultaneously.

In some cases, cannabis may enhance your love life and result in a flourishing relationship. In other instances, marijuana is simply a means of sugarcoating a dry connection with no substance. (1)

Can Cannabis Positively Affect Your Relationship? 

The combination of marijuana and relationships can offer positive or negative results, depending on the foundation of your connection. 

Some benefits include:

Better Intimacy 

Different weed strains induce various effects, but relaxation is usually standard. When you feel comfortable, having meaningful conversations with your partner is effortless.

These interactions may be more fulfilling since letting your guard down is easier. Many tokers claim that the intensity of intimacy increases when buzzed.

More Sensual Sex 

Thanks to the aphrodisiac qualities of the herb, couples who love weed report an improvement in their sex lives. Cannabis may set the mood and heighten your senses, making each touch more enjoyable.

When you’re high, every kiss and caress may feel more pleasurable and make the climax more intense. Marijuana could also boost your confidence, allowing you to perform at your peak.

Being More Present and Attentive

Many relationship problems stem from too many distractions. Those who indulge in cannabis are said to be more present and find time to talk more openly.

After a long day, it’s easy to unwind in front of a screen and ignore your partner. It’s believed to be different for cannabis couples. When both individuals in a relationship choose to relax with a joint, it may allow them to release tension together.

It’s only natural for conversation to follow and a restful night of slumber to ensue. 

Engaging in 420 Hobbies 

Having common interests is essential in any relationship, and cannabis is becoming increasingly popular. Aside from having a toke to wash away the worries of the day, there are other 420 activities partners can engage in. 

For many couples who enjoy weed, cultivating their own buds is a beautiful shared experience. The cannabis crops require consistent care and diligent nurturing to flourish, just like a relationship.

The process is symbolic of their dedication to each other. Overcoming obstacles like weed leaf clawing may also strengthen their connection.

Another well-known marijuana-related hobby is making homemade edibles. Countless recipes are available, from bread and brownies to gummies and chocolates. 

Weed-loving partners can take cooking classes together and figure out the ideal way to infuse marijuana. These options offer an excellent culinary experience that keeps the munchies at bay.

Some weed-friendly tours and exhibitions may also help keep the spark alive in a relationship.

Can Weed Negatively Affect Your Relationship? 

Love connections can be complicated. Any factor that delivers negative results may cause the relationship to crumble. In some cases, cannabis could be the culprit.

420 couples may sometimes misinterpret their romance and believe they have something extraordinary when it’s only the marijuana buzz. In some cases, cannabis could result in poor conflict resolution and a lack of introspection. 

Other relationship problems due to weed include: 

  • The inability to notice problems
  • Unwillingness to compromise
  • Unrealistic perception of the relationship status

With that said, it’s thought that cannabis couples tend to settle arguments more calmly. The jury’s still out on whether the adverse effects outweigh the benefits.(2)

Peace. Love. Cannabis.

Connected by Cannabis

Cannabis is an incredible herb that affects your perception, mood, and behaviors in various ways. It may help you relax, unwind, and release your inhibitions. 

Marijuana may allow weed couples to get to know each other on a deeper, more intimate level. It could also enhance your sex life and boost your libido due to its aphrodisiac qualities. 

There are a handful of potential risks with using marijuana in a relationship. Why not take a puff next time you’re unwinding with your partner? Decide for yourself if marijuana truly can improve your love life.

Jennifer Gallagher

Jennifer Gallagher, an experienced cannabis grower at SeedSupreme Seedbank. During a 7-year career in the marijuana growing business, Jennifer has gained a high competence in this field. As far as weed is concerned, she knows it all inside out. Jennifer is an expert in pot-growing, as well as cannabis types and their effects. She’s also familiar with all legislation nuances. LinkedIn

Car Accidents – Who is Liable for your Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

car accident injury

The most common causes of car accidents are driver distraction, speeding and drunk driving. If another driver acted negligently in any way and caused your car accident, thus causing spinal injury, you may be able to bring a claim or lawsuit against that driver in order to recover financial damages for your injuries. This may cover medical care as well as any lost wages from missed work, damage to your vehicle and possibly more. With spinal cord injury claims, this is particularly important due to the costs of rehabilitation, continued therapy, and living with an injury of this magnitude.

Car accidents are constant occurrences on Los Angeles streets and freeways. When these accidents are catastrophic in nature, they may cause serious injuries or even death to one or more of the people involved. Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are at particular risk of serious injury in a car accident. The speed, force and location of impact in a car accident will typically determine what extent of injury that a victim may sustain, although a combination of these and other factors may also make it seem as though luck is involved. (1)

At Pacific Attorney Group, we handle all types of serious car accident claims throughout the Los Angeles area, including freeway accidents and high-speed or high-impact crashes that result in serious injuries or wrongful death. If you or a loved one was involved in a bad accident, a Los Angeles accident injury attorney at our offices can offer you a free initial consultation to talk about your legal options and filing a personal injury claim.

There are a variety of different serious injuries that may result from a car accident. A victim may be at risk of internal bleeding, head trauma, brain injury, amputation, spinal cord injury, multiple bone fractures, organ damage, and more. Any one or more of these injuries may impact a victim for life, leading to extensive hospitalization, surgery, a temporary or permanent disability, scarring or disfigurement, paralysis, and an unknown future.

Let an experienced car accident injury lawyer at our firm help you in taking legal action against the driver who caused your catastrophic injuries. With our help in recovering financial compensation, you may be able to get the money you need to begin rebuilding your life and moving on. (2)

Can Positive Affirmations Help Overcome Anxiety?

my story

If you’ve ever read self-help guides or watched webinars dedicated to personal growth and success, then the chances are that you’ve heard of positive affirmations. Millions of coaches and even anxiety disorder specialists often emphasize the effectiveness of positive affirmations, but if you’ve never actually tried them, such an idea may look somewhat weird.

Yes, talking to yourself and telling yourself that you’re great and everything will be alright may look like an awkward practice. However, a lot may depend on how you’re using affirmations, as well as your understanding of how they work.

The truth is that such a practice can be incredibly helpful when dealing with various mental health issues. For instance, many therapists recommend positive affirmations for anxiety, and there is some solid research data that proves their effectiveness. In this article, we will consider affirmations in more detail and think of how they may help you if you have anxiety.

What Are Positive Affirmations?

Affirmations are statements aimed at oneself. They can help a person who repeats them ease worries, cope with fear, and motivate themselves to make positive changes. While many mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, have a lot to do with negative self-talk, daily affirmations allow you to practice positive self-talk so you can balance your unhelpful thoughts.

The practice itself is incredibly simple. All you have to do is repeat the same phrase to yourself every once in a while. You can use different phrases, tailoring them to your goals. For instance, you may use affirmations to challenge negative thoughts, improve your self-esteem, or boost motivation.

When you repeat a supportive phrase over and over again, you basically force yourself to focus on this idea, so the phrase can become quite powerful. When you repeat a thought, it becomes easier for you to believe it, and the more you believe, the more likely you’ll act accordingly, turning your affirmation into reality.

Positive affirmations can help you improve your self-esteem and make you more confident when it comes to achieving goals. Besides, you can use affirmations to relieve anxiety or cope with panic attacks. They can also be very helpful when you’re stressed out. By repeating positive affirmations regularly, you can zero in on the possible positive outcomes, not letting doubts and fear stop you. (1)

mental health nature therapy

Anxiety and Positive Affirmations

According to statistics, anxiety affects about 40 million adult Americans so it’s one of the most common mental health disorders. Anxiety can have a significant negative impact on many areas of your life because it can not only create challenges for you but also impact your relationships with others.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and most of them are rooted in unhelpful thinking patterns that can influence a person’s decisions and actions, as well as reactions to various stressors. That’s where positive affirmations can help, enabling you to balance negative thoughts with positive ones.

A 2016 study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy demonstrated the positive impact of daily affirmations when treating anxiety. The study focused on excessive worry, which is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety.

Participants were asked to replace thoughts that increase their anxiety with positive words or pictures that showed possible good outcomes. All of the participants showed noticeable improvements after a month of positive anxiety affirmations.

Moreover, even the control group that used affirmations that were unrelated to the subject of their worries benefited from this practice, which means that any kind of positive replacement for negative thoughts can help ease the symptoms of anxiety.

A great advantage of affirmations is that anyone can adjust them to a specific problem. For instance, social anxiety affirmations can be used to improve the sense of self-worth when a person feels threatened. Social anxiety can make a person very sensitive to negative social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice.

Affirmations can help you switch your focus from the interpretations of these social cues that are driven by anxiety to other aspects of communication and its positive outcomes. They can also help emphasize your personal strengths so that you won’t forget them, and therefore strengthen your self-esteem.

Beware of Toxic Positivity

There is a difference between emphasizing the positive aspects of a certain situation and ignoring or denying the negative ones. If you have anxiety, you certainly can benefit from focusing on the positive aspects, and paying too much attention to the negative ones can prevent you from achieving your goals.

However, it’s also important to make sure that your positive affirmations are realistic because otherwise, they won’t really be helpful. To come up with helpful positive affirmations, you need to acknowledge the current situation, while also focusing on your ability to overcome obstacles. (2)

Acknowledge Difficulties

Acknowledging the challenges you’re dealing with can help you tailor your positive affirmations to a particular situation, making them more specific and therefore more effective. To avoid negative thoughts associated with the difficulties, think of how you’ve succeeded before and the positive qualities that might help you now.

For example, you may say: “I’m in a difficult situation right now but I have the necessary skills and experience,” or “I’m smart and strong enough to overcome all of the current challenges.” By simply denying the problems, you won’t be able to cope with them. If you choose to ignore your hard feelings and fear, they will still accumulate deep in your mind.

Instead of ignoring everything that makes you feel anxious or sad, you can acknowledge these things while also acknowledging the possible positive outcomes and your own abilities. Besides, you should keep in mind that using positive affirmations alone may not be enough when dealing with mental health disorders.

Wrapping Up

When dealing with anxiety, positive affirmations can be very helpful, enabling you to switch focus from your fears and negative thoughts to possible positive outcomes and your strengths that can help you achieve goals.

Given that symptoms of anxiety are rooted in negative thinking patterns, positive affirmations are a great practice that enables you to confront and challenge these negative thoughts. At the same time, it’s important to keep your affirmations realistic, without using them to ignore the difficulties.

Moreover, you should keep in mind that affirmations alone may not be a sufficient method of dealing with mental health problems. If you have anxiety, don’t hesitate to ask for help. When left untreated, symptoms of anxiety may only become worse.

A licensed therapist can help you figure out what triggers your symptoms and suggest effective grounding techniques for anxiety that may work in your particular case. If you have a busy schedule or are socially anxious, you don’t even need to commute to a therapist’s office.

Thanks to online platforms like Calmerry, you can benefit from video chat therapy without leaving your home. Learn more about the benefits of talk therapy — it has proven to be effective when treating many types of anxiety disorders.

5 Tips for Taking Metformin

Blood sugar control

Numbers show that in 2019 alone, around 85,739,443 metformin prescriptions were issued in the United States. That means metformin ranks fourth of this country’s most commonly prescribed medications. If you, or someone you know, are also taking metformin, it’s important to learn what to do or avoid doing to increase its effectiveness. Read on to see some of the most useful tips for taking metformin.

What is metformin?

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug sold under the brand name Glucophage. Metformin is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Like some other medications, metformin has some off-label uses, such as for prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, and weight gain resulting from antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine. 

Is metformin effective for managing diabetes?

Metformin is effective for managing or preventing diabetes, as confirmed by many studies. For example, Diabetes Spectrum published a paper evaluating the effectiveness of metformin in preventing type 2 diabetes. 

The paper reported that metformin significantly decreased the incidence of diabetes mellitus by 31% compared to placebo. However, it wasn’t more effective than lifestyle intervention which reduced diabetes incidence by 58%. Scientists concluded that metformin was well-tolerated and effective for preventing or delaying diabetes in high-risk persons.

Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism published a review to determine whether metformin should remain the first-line treatment for diabetes. The paper found no reason not to include metformin as soon as a person is diagnosed with diabetes. 

Some studies explored how metformin compares to other options such as berberine. When it comes to berberine vs metformin, evidence shows they have similar effects. While metformin could be more powerful, they may work better in combination because berberine is a natural metformin. But when it comes to ozempic vs metformin, the latter is more practical for people who don’t like injections. 

Metformin works by making the body more sensitive to insulin. At the same time, it lowers the absorption of sugar and decreases its production. That’s why it can aid the management of diabetes and prevent it in high-risk groups of people. 

What are the side effects of metformin?

Every medication has some side effects. Not every person taking metformin will experience adverse reactions, but it’s useful to know the risks. 

Common side effects of taking metformin include:

  • Upset stomach
  • Gas
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

You may want to consult a healthcare provider if you experience unusual muscle pain, difficulty breathing, feeling cold, dizziness, or slow or irregular heart rate. 

Avoid stopping metformin on your own or tweaking the dosage. Consult a doctor who will adjust the dosage based on your needs and condition.

5 tips for taking metformin 

People with type 2 diabetes usually get metformin as the first-line medication for this condition. In order to get the most from metformin, you may want to follow the five tips listed below.

1. Take metformin with food

Metformin is supposed to be taken with meals. Avoid taking the tablet on an empty stomach. Taking metformin with food helps decrease side effects that may occur at the beginning of the treatment. Ideally, you should take medicine with or right after your evening meal. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.

2. Avoid certain foods

Some foods can impair the effectiveness of metformin or increase the risk of adverse reactions. 

Foods to avoid while taking metformin include:

  • Alcohol interacts with metformin. While moderate use isn’t likely to cause problems, regular alcohol intake or binge drinking can. The best thing to do is to avoid alcohol entirely.
  • Saturated fat may increase inflammation and make it more difficult to manage diabetes or lose weight.
  • Trans fats have inflammatory properties. 
  • Simple and refined carbs reduce the effectiveness of metformin. You may want to avoid white rice, white bread, white pasta, soda, candies, desserts, snacks, crackers, sugar, and other low-fiber and heavily processed foods.
  • Excessive sodium has a higher risk of heart problems and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Metformin doesn’t make your diet restrictive. Instead, it encourages you to make healthy changes and reduce the consumption of foods that may jeopardize diabetes management.

3. Increase intake of certain foods

While some foods can decrease the effectiveness of metformin, others can improve blood glucose management. 

You may want to enrich your diet with the following foods:

  • Vegetables – ideally, half of your plate at every meal should account for vegetables. Opt for non-starchy options such as broccoli, leafy greens, asparagus, cauliflower, and cabbage, among others.
  • Low-carb fruits are better for glucose balance. Berries are a good example of delicious yet low-carb fruits.
  • Lean protein can help regulate blood glucose. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, and other lean sources of protein, but make sure to avoid saturated fat.
  • Healthy fats protect heart health and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Good sources of healthy fats are nuts, fish, avocado, and olive oil, all of which are abundant in unsaturated fats.
  • Complex carbs are abundant in fiber, which slows the rate at which the body turns carbs into glucose. This leads to more effective blood sugar management and healthy insulin levels. Complex carbs include unrefined grains such as whole grain oats, brown rice, whole grain bread, and quinoa. These foods could also help with metformin weight loss, i.e., allow you to lose weight despite diabetes, while also using this medication.

4. Stay away from the sun

Generally speaking, you should stay from the sun and its harmful UV rays as it is. But it’s even more important when you’re taking glyburide-metformin. This medication increases sun sensitivity, thus making you more likely to get sunburned. 

When taking this drug, apply sunscreen before heading out and reapply accordingly. It’s also useful to wear protective clothing. Keep in mind this applies only to cases when people take a glyburide-metformin combination.

5. Don’t treat it as a weight loss drug

It’s not uncommon for people to treat metformin as a weight loss medication. Evidence shows metformin won’t cause that significant weight loss and doesn’t exhibit a dramatic effect on visceral fat mass. Even though metformin can be an adjunct to healthy lifestyle measures, you shouldn’t rely only on this medicine to slim down. Losing weight is tricky, especially with diabetes, but it is achievable. 

Final Thoughts

Metformin is the first-line treatment for diabetes. A growing body of evidence confirms its effectiveness. To get the most from metformin, it’s important to modify your diet, adhere to the dosage instructions, and take it with or after meals. If you’re experiencing side effects, you may want to contact your healthcare provider or get emergency medical assistance. 

Author Bio

Ben’s Natural Health is the world’s first high-quality, all-natural, scientifically proven clinical supplement company. Their motto is to combine holistic healing with modern science. 

Ben has brought together a team of naturopaths, nutritionists, and medical researchers to help him create real, side-effect-free solutions to serious metabolic health conditions.

Links 

  1.  Metformin
  2.  Metformin: historical overview
  3.  A short biography of metformin 
  4.  Metformin and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
  5.  Should metformin remain the first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
  6.  Metformin: an old but still the best treatment for type 2 diabetes
  7.  Metformin and berberine, are two versatile drugs in the treatment of common metabolic diseases
  8.  The effect of metformin on fat distribution and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.