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What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and How Does it Work

By
Elizabeth Williams

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of psychotherapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts and behaviors. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion), and how we behave (action) are all interconnected, and that by changing one of these things, we can change the others as well.

CBT is a relatively short-term form of therapy, usually lasting 10-12 weeks. It is a goal-oriented therapy, and the therapist and client work together to set realistic goals and identify specific strategies for reaching those goals. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

1) How to find a good therapist?

If you are considering CBT for yourself or a loved one, it is important to find a therapist who is properly trained in this type of therapy. Not all therapists are trained in CBT, and not all therapists who say they practice CBT actually use the techniques proven to be effective in scientific studies. Make sure to ask your therapist about their training and experience in CBT before beginning therapy.

If you are looking for a rehab center that offers CBT treatment, it is important to do your research and find one that has a good reputation. There are many rehab centers out there, and not all of them offer quality treatment. Make sure to ask the center about their training and experience in CBT, as well as their success rates in treating people with similar conditions. If you’re looking for a Christian rehab center that offers CBT, start by doing a bit of research online first. Then, you can narrow down your options and contact the center to ask more specific questions.

2) What are the goals of CBT?

The goal of CBT is to help people identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are causing them distress. In CBT, the therapist and client work together to set realistic goals and identify specific strategies for reaching those goals.

For example, someone who is struggling with depression may set a goal of starting to enjoy activities again. They may identify a specific strategy for reaching this goal, such as taking a walk outside every day or signing up for a yoga class.

On the other hand, someone who is struggling with anxiety may set a goal of being able to go out in public without feeling anxious. They may identify a specific strategy for reaching this goal, such as exposure therapy.

3) What does CBT look like?

CBT usually consists of 10-12 weekly sessions, though some people may need more or less depending on their individual needs. Each session lasts about 50 minutes and is typically conducted one-on-one with a therapist.

During CBT sessions, the therapist will help the client to understand their thoughts and behaviors, and how they might be causing distress. The therapist will also help the client to identify and practice new thought patterns and behaviors that could help to lessen their distress.

CBT sessions often involve homework, such as keeping a journal or practicing specific exercises outside of the session. This is because CBT is a very practical form of therapy, and the therapist wants the client to have opportunities to practice what they are learning in session.

4) What are the benefits of CBT?

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

CBT is also a relatively short-term form of therapy, which can be helpful for people who do not want to commit to long-term treatment. Additionally, CBT has been shown to be effective in preventing relapse for people who have already received treatment for a mental health condition.

Additionally, CBT is a very practical form of therapy, and the skills that clients learn in CBT can be applied to many different areas of their life. For example, someone who learns how to manage their anxiety in CBT may also find that they are better able to cope with stress at work or in their personal life.

5) Are there any drawbacks to CBT?

CBT is not right for everyone, and there are some potential drawbacks to this type of therapy. First, CBT requires a significant amount of time and effort from both the therapist and the client. This can be challenging for people who are already struggling with a mental health condition.

Additionally, CBT can sometimes be intense and may require the client to discuss sensitive topics. This can be difficult for some people and may cause them to feel uncomfortable or even worse. Finally, because CBT is a relatively new form of therapy, there is still some uncertainty about its long-term effectiveness.

6) How do I know if CBT is right for me?

If you are considering CBT, it is important to speak with a mental health professional about your specific needs. They can help you to decide whether or not CBT is the right type of therapy for you. Additionally, it is important to find a therapist who is experienced in CBT and who you feel comfortable working with.

Also, be sure to ask about the therapist’s experience in treating your specific mental health condition. CBT has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions, but it is important to find a therapist who has experience treating your particular condition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of therapy that has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health conditions. It is a relatively short-term form of therapy, and the skills learned in CBT can be applied to many different areas of life. If you are considering CBT, it is important to speak with a mental health professional about your specific needs. Keep in mind that CBT is not right for everyone, and there are some potential drawbacks to this type of therapy. However, if you find a therapist who is experienced in CBT and with whom you feel comfortable working, CBT can be an effective treatment for your mental health condition.

A world of oil and gas

By
Elizabeth Williams
gas

Among all the sectors of global economics and politics, oil and gas it solutions dominate. Despite its complexity and capital intensity, it is also a highly influential industry. International negotiations and conflicts depend on it, and it impacts national security, geopolitics, and elections. 

The oil and gas industry strengthens its technical and financial position as global demand for oil and gas products grows, developing more efficient production and processing technologies. A decrease in investment and a reduction in production costs contribute to an increase in turnover and sales volumes. Global economics is always focused on oil and gas prices.

Everyone’s life is impacted by the oil and gas sector and the products it produces in contemporary society. More than half of the world’s energy consumption is met by the two primary fuels, oil and gas. These are also resources for a variety of different industries, including the chemical, automotive, pharmaceutical, and others. Energy production, a wide range of petrochemicals, paints, asphalt paving, and many other things all include oil and gas.

Oil and gas extraction, production, and drilling are three segments of this industry; transportation and storage are intermediate streams; and processing and marketing are downstream segments.

Consumption of gas and oil worldwide is steadily rising. Modern technological advancements and the streamlining of operating procedures are required for the systems and processes involved in the production and distribution of oil and gas. This is true for both approaches to optimizing oil and gas production as well as for modes of transportation and processing. 

These procedures include picturing the oil and gas industry through illustration, outlining its primary activities, and adhering to environmental requirements. The picture is designed to highlight the principles of the businesses operating in this industry, while also defining important terms and norms and presenting fresh suggestions and modifications.

Analyzing past actions in the gas and oil refining sectors and forecasting future trends are made easier with the aid of the diagrams and drawings. The biggest producers of oil and gas, the marketplaces where it is consumed, and the wealthiest oil businesses are all represented in their design.

They enable you to showcase work procedures and draw attention to the elements that have the biggest effects on the industry. The oil and gas infographics are helpful in giving a broad overview of the opportunities and problems facing the sector and in emphasizing important details.

Oil and gas graphics and infographics can be created quickly and easily using the Oil and Gas solution for ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software. We provide vector libraries of oil and gas symbols.

Gas and petroleum icons can be found in several solution libraries as well as special symbols for oil, gas, and petrochemical products, as well as icons for oil refineries and transportation facilities. In addition to equipment and refueling station symbols, flags of oil and gas exporters and marketing symbols to represent market changes, they also include equipment symbols for oil and gas production.

The resulting visuals make it easier to swiftly and accurately explain complicated topics. The creation of best practises in oil and gas exploration and production can be reported on using them perfectly. Utilize them to showcase the findings of international energy forums, analyze, forecast, and explain growth strategies and trends in the oil business.

Are You a Shopaholic? 5 Warning Signs If You Are Addicted

By
Elizabeth Williams
Shopaholic

Shopping is an essential aspect of life. It is how we get what we need for day-to-day use. Usually, it is a planned activity, although you may have occasional incidences of impulse buying. However, if impulsive shopping gets out of hand, it becomes a compulsive behavior.

What is the meaning of shopaholic? A shopaholic is a compulsive shopper. In medical terms, the compulsive disorder is also known as oniomania. Shopping addiction is also referred to as compulsive shopping, compulsive buying, compulsive buying disorder, or compulsive consumption.

According to The Recovery Village, 5% of the population in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are shopping addicts. Surprisingly, women are more prone to be compulsive shoppers, with a prevalence of 92%. Online shopping addiction prevalence is similar to that of in-person shopping. It is an impulse control issue like gambling and binge eating.

Below are 5 signs of shopping addiction, including tips on how to stop shopping addiction.

1.    You Have Too Many Unopened Items

A shopaholic usually does not buy items because they need them. They often do it for the instant gratification of the purchase. Therefore, you end up with numerous unopened or tagged items. You may also develop hoarding tendencies, whereby the items are in closets, pantries, and storage. Chances are, you do not remember some of the items you bought.

If you often find yourself going on online shopping sprees, checking online reviews can help with your impulsive shopping. You may come across negative consumer reviews that discourage you from adding items to the cart.

For instance, eBay reviews on review websites such as Pissedconsumer.com indicate poor quality of some items, delivery delays, and missing orders, among other issues. Besides, it can be difficult to contact eBay customer service for assistance with an issue with your order.

2.    Stress Triggers You to Shop

Each purchase brings you an instant rush of excitement and euphoria. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you may use shopping to comfort and numb your emotional pain.

3.    You Feel Shame and Guilt After Shopping

Shopping addiction has phases. It starts with anticipation when you get the urge to purchase certain items. You then start to window shop and research to identify items to buy. You then proceed to make the purchase. A phase that is filled with exhilaration.

A crush quickly follows the shopping experience. The excitement wears off, and you start to feel guilt, shame, frustration, and anxiety for making the purchase. Also, you might try to justify your purchases. The emotional discomfort triggers you to shop again as a coping mechanism, taking you right back to the beginning of the cycle.

4.    You Try to Be Secretive About Your Shopping Habits

If you hide when you are going to shop, receipts, and the items you buy to keep your loved ones from finding out, you may be addicted to shopping. For online shopping, you may notice that you like shopping anonymously. Therefore, you prefer to use the browser in incognito mode to hide your shopping history. 

5.    Your Shopping Habits Are Getting in the Way of Your Relationship and Daily Obligations

It could be that your friends and family criticize or call you out for excessive shopping. Or, you may be spending excessively, thus living paycheck to paycheck and failing to achieve your financial goals. In extreme cases, you may find that you do not have enough money for your essential expenditure leading to debt accumulation and difficulty paying the debts.

What to Do About It?

Shopping addiction is a compulsive disorder. Often, you buy things you do not need, spend more than you can afford, and may feel extremely agitated if you do not get the items you want.

Shopping addiction can adversely affect your life, including accruing large debts, difficulty paying them, guilt, shame, strained relationships with loved ones, and poor financial management.

Aside from checking online reviews, you can manage your shopping addiction by budgeting, tracking your expenditure, challenging yourself to wait longer before making a seemingly important purchase, and understanding your triggers.

The Pitfalls of Software Freelancing

By
Elizabeth Williams
Software

Freelancing is replacing the 9-to-5 workday. Many millennials want to work from home at their own pace and pursue other interests. Freelancing platforms such as https://workee.net/perfect-for/freelancers  help them do both. Freelancing can be a lucrative alternative to traditional work. 

Freelancers can track their work and communicate on many platforms. When a project is urgent, some solutions allow real-time monitoring of a freelancer’s work. Some platforms offer payment processing. Most integrate with leading payment gateways, and the freelancer pays the fee.

That’s one of the main advantages of software freelancing, but there are also disadvantages. Here are some of these pitfalls:

Short-term contract disadvantages

One of the main benefits of working for yourself as a freelancer is the flexibility of not having to work under a fixed schedule. While you’ll be limited in the projects you can take on, you’ll have the benefit of working on many different topics. In addition to the flexibility of working on short-term contracts, you won’t have to deal with office hours or a fixed income. In-house employees can also work on projects that continue for years.

One of the disadvantages of outsourcing is the lack of accountability and communication between you and your freelancer. Since freelancers are independent and not part of a firm, communication and collaboration can be difficult. Also, it can be difficult to manage the work of multiple individuals across several states. This can be a significant disadvantage if you need to hold someone accountable for your project. Furthermore, some companies have unprofessional billing practices and might end up hiring a junior instead of a senior.

Cash flow issues

There are many cash flow issues that can plague software freelancing. Keeping track of your spending and invoicing regularly will help you keep a close eye on your business’s cash flow. One of the most important aspects of cash flow is invoicing. Invoicing your clients correctly can make or break your cash flow. You can’t spend all your time collecting invoices, but you still need to make sure that you are getting paid.

Before you can begin earning a decent living as a software freelancer, you must determine your cash flow and figure out where your money is going. Do you plan to work from home or rent an office space? If you do, you’ll need to figure out how much you’ll need for overhead expenses such as insurance, employees, bills, postage, and energy-efficient appliances. You should also consider how much money you expect to make in the coming months.

Necessity of having a niche skill

Choosing a niche can help you grow a freelance writing business much faster. It helps you focus your efforts, which will lead to sustainable profits. Niche writing helps you establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field and become the first name in mind for clients who need that specific type of writing. Here are some examples of niches for freelance writing:

A niche skill in web development will affect your freelancing software business. It will also help you build a brand, market your services, and even determine how much you’ll be able to charge. A niche is a highly specific area of expertise, so it’s important to be specific and choose a narrow, but relevant, one. In addition, a niche helps you get started fast, and you’ll need to build a portfolio website to show potential clients.

Platforms for software freelancing

Freelancing is becoming a popular alternative to the traditional 9-to-5 work routine. Many millennials want the flexibility of working from home at their own pace and still have time for their other interests. Freelancing platforms can help them achieve both these goals. In addition to being a good alternative to traditional work, freelance jobs can also provide a lucrative source of income. Many platforms offer freelancers a workspace where they can track their outputs and communicate with each other. Some solutions even allow real-time monitoring of a freelancer’s work, which is useful when a project is urgent. Payment processing options are another perk offered by some platforms. Most of them integrate with leading payment gateways, and the fee you pay to use them will be borne by the freelancer.

Marketing your skills as a freelancer

Whether you’re a software developer with a portfolio or just a knack for design, marketing your skills as a software freelancer is critical to your success. Social media is a powerful tool for marketing yourself. Instagram geotagging, for example, allows you to attract potential clients from particular locations. Twitter hashtags also allow you to join relevant professional conversations. Post regularly and with quality content to build a following.

Create a website dedicated to your services. Include customer reviews on your website. This way, potential clients can see which of your past projects have satisfied them. Besides, if you’re a software developer, a website will allow you to showcase your portfolio and get new customers. It also helps to have a logo. Make sure to use a professional-looking layout and add a personal website.

Unconditional Love: Ways To Strengthen Family Bonding Without Stress

By
Elizabeth Williams
Unconditional Love

Everyone wants their family bond to stay intact without much stress.

But,

With so much hustle in your daily routine, the family attachment might get affected. So, keeping those relationships out of stress is necessary.

Strong family bonds are a blessing because you get moral support, guidance, help in times of need, and a lot more.

An unhealthy relationship is toxic and can equally affect your mental well-being. Therefore, keeping selfishness and envy away from your associates becomes mandatory instead of the other way around.

So, if you are experiencing stress in your family bonds and feel like you are on the verge of losing some relationships, worry not because we have got you all covered!

Scroll down to learn some meaningful suggestions to help you enjoy the best of this life with your loved ones.

1. Always Adopt A Flexible Approach

Regardless of age and gender, mistakes and errors are a part of life.

However, we often find it hard to see the other or positive side of the story when it comes to personal relationships.

But guess what?

This is not how healthy relationships work in real life.

You are supposed to keep empathy and stay close to people you love, especially when facing hard times. This helps in more than one way, like experiencing positive things together, helping your close ones learn from their mistakes, and much more.

Forgiveness and flexibility are great; they always allow you to exchange mutual love. Not only love, but it also makes you respect each other more.

Moreover, it is a declaration that you accept people for who they are, despite the fact that they may have done something unlikely.

2. Help Your Kids Build Strong “Sibling Love”

Focusing on sibling love among your children is equally important for a healthy and growing family.

The reason is that if there’s something wrong going on between your kiddos, you automatically won’t feel yourself at ease.

Moreover, it can also impact the way they see life and relationships through their creative perspectives.

There are many ways you can try out to bring harmony and help your little munchkins build stronger sibling love.

For example, you can arrange an adorably cute movie for them, allow them to spend some time together gardening, help your boys buy gifts for sisters, or your girls bake something for their brothers.

One way or another, a strong family bonding is always weak if the core is not strong enough.        

3. Share Thoughts To Release Stress

Spending a hectic day at work or struggling to spend time with family will make you fatigued.

So be talkative around your family and loved ones. Make sure you take time out of your busy schedule and talk to them.

Introverts don’t talk much but be comfortable around your family and talk about anything. You can talk about your daily routine, likes and dislikes, beliefs, and thoughts about a particular thing.

Moreover, both one-on-one and group conversations are valuable. The main objective that should be accomplished is self-expression.

It will make your bond more robust and will also release your stress level.

4. Eat Together To Stay Together!

Ones who eat together stay together.

Within the house, it is not easy to make a single schedule. Significantly when everybody is grown up and has different commitments.

The family’s head should see that everyone gathers for at least one meal. It can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You will notice that it is a source of health as you will enjoy what you eat in good company.

The combination of eating together and table talks is very helpful in binding everyone together. It also creates a sense of sharing among the family members.

You may also dine out on some special days to make it cozier.

5. Vacations Do Wonders

It is a blessing in disguise that you get different holidays in a year.

The best way to get rid of anxiety is to go on a holiday with your family. Going along with all family members will result in more enjoyment, and eventually, you will be close to everybody. Therefore, going on vacations with your family is one of the best tools to reduce personal and family stress.

Leaving your chaotic routine will also improve your health by going to some serene place.

6. Be Respectful To All

Being respectful in a relationship is like a root of a plant.

Along with love, respect is an essential aspect of the relationships in a family. They both go parallel.

It is not only for the elders. Youngsters also deserve respect to maintain good self-esteem. It will make them grow in life.

It is about respecting others for their views, decisions, presence, and individuality.

Conclusion

Having the correct people around you is a blessing.

What can be more good than your own family? The love of parents and siblings is always unconditional. So making a healthy bond with them and leaving the stressful thing behind is beneficial for their whole life.

Family members are the ones who will support you during difficult times in your life.

Automation services with intelligent algorithms

By
Elizabeth Williams
artificial intelligence

As the industry’s top provider of intelligent automation services, CTG has witnessed firsthand how automation technology can improve customer experiences and relieve employees of the burden of repetitive tasks, resulting in increased productivity, improved morale, and the ability for workers to concentrate on strategic tasks.

Almost all businesses spend time on mundane or repetitive tasks rather than those that have more strategic importance. Work like filling out forms, constantly responding to the same inquiry, or translating data from one system into another can stifle productivity. Additionally, these duties may impede workers from performing higher-value jobs like conversing with clients, conducting research, or deriving insights from data and taking appropriate action.

Intelligent automation provides more scalable, safe, and quick processes through the use of robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and test automation. Additionally, AI enables quicker insight gathering and decision-making across the company.

For businesses to thrive in a digital-first future, Gartner predicts that they will need to adopt a strategy known as hyper automation, which involves using tools like RPA and AI to quickly identify, validate, and automate as many processes as possible.

They even forecast that by 2024, organizations would implement at least three different types of hyper-automation software, which, when combined with improved operational procedures, will result in a 30% reduction in operating expenses. How can firms use intelligent automation to quicken the digital revolution, then?

STEP 1: DOCUMENTATION OF THE PROCESS

Any automation project should start by understanding the current business processes, both the individual tasks and the overall workflow. These processes may be documented and discussed consistently, and there are prospects for automation and optimization thanks to methodologies like Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and tools like Nintex Promapp.

The automation journey can be specified after well-documented, highly scriptable procedures are in place. A successful business process automation journey recognizes early wins and incorporates strong change management. With a strategy in place, businesses can apply intelligent automation solutions employing software robots (like UiPath), workflow automation tools that can streamline processes (like Nintex and Microsoft Power Platform, including Power Automate, Power Apps, etc.), EDI integrations, or AI support (e.g., Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services).

AUTOMATION OF PROCESSES BY ROBOTS

RPA streamlines business processes by assigning repetitive, rule-based tasks to a software robot. Consider the scenario where a salesperson needs to enter a pursuit in a CRM system as well as a revenue forecasting system. The salesperson may complete a master deal sheet and press a button to automatically populate both systems rather than manually entering the information in each system. RPA performs best when given repeatable, well-defined tasks and organized data. An organization can gain from RPA by:

INTRODUCTION OF AUTOMATED WORKFLOWS

Workflow automation employs technology to connect various tasks in order to speed up and streamline an entire business process, in contrast to RPA, which concentrates on individual tasks. It might be used, for instance, to automatically handle the approval of pricing for a new opportunity, including sending the request, reviewing it, accepting or rejecting it, informing the requester, and changing the CRM record as necessary.

By ensuring that work is completed by the appropriate person at the appropriate time and reducing bottlenecks, this automation increases employee collaboration and productivity. It streamlines and boosts the productivity of work processes while removing human mistakes when used in conjunction with automation technologies like RPA. Organizations can save time and money and reallocate resources to other, more strategic goals by decreasing manual and paper-based operations. 

Process streamlining for firms is now more straightforward than ever thanks to tools for workflow automation, such as Nintex. Users may now easily see their processes and automate workflows without having to have a deep understanding of code. These low-code and no-code solutions are saving organizations money by eliminating the need to engage a full-time developer and enabling them to undergo a faster digital transformation.

INTELLIGENCE COMBINED WITH ARTIFICIAL

RPA and workflow automation work well with repeatable, organized processes; AI is best used with unstructured data and ad-hoc inquiries. A salesperson might inquire about the commission implications of altering the form of a contract, for instance.

 The sales person may have previously received an answer from operations. The same answers could be provided by a chatbot powered by AI.

In order for machines to process inputs (to “see” or “hear”), understand likely outcomes (via “learning”), and then act based on the accumulated “experience,” artificial intelligence (AI) combines a number of technologies. AI learns how to respond to queries, anticipate the future, and make decisions using reasoning, self-correction, and learning.

Why Magic Mushrooms Are Worth Trying

By
Elizabeth Williams
Magic Mushrooms

Although medical advancements are happening on the go, people are keen to consider alternative therapies and natural remedies. If you wish to follow the holistic wellness trend, the options are bigger and better than ever. After the legalization of cannabis, the decriminalization of magic mushrooms in several parts of the world has opened new opportunities for wellness enthusiasts. While shrooms have been a part of indigenous medicine, modern users are ready to join the bandwagon. But you may still have some qualms about them before embarking on a healing journey. Let us clear the facts and explain why magic mushrooms are worth trying.

Therapeutic benefits

According to a research study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, psilocybin is an effective treatment for mental health issues. It can help with depression, smoking cessation, and alcohol de-addiction. It may also have the potential to treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Anorexia nervosa. Researchers have even suggested that psilocybin should be reclassified as a Schedule IV drug to allow it for medical use. The availability of credible research now makes psilocybin mushrooms a trusted wellness aid. If you are in a decriminalized location, you must opt for this holistic treatment alternative sooner than later.

Easy accessibility

Accessibility is a challenge when it comes to buying therapeutic aids that emerge from the shadows of recreational consumption. But it is no longer a concern if you want to embrace the shroom wellness trend. Since shrooms are now decriminalized in several countries, accessibility is not a problem if you live in a legit location. For example, you can easily buy shrooms online in Canada because the country allows their sale. In fact, you may find them on the menu of your favorite cannabis dispensary. But remember to ensure the reputation of the seller before sealing the deal. You can seek recommendations from a regular consumer or check the online reviews to verify the credibility of the seller.

Multiple product options

While magic mushrooms are validated by research and easily accessible, you may feel apprehensive about the taste. But rest assured, it isn’t a valid reason to keep yourself from experiencing the benefits of shrooms. You can find them in multiple product options, from gummies to chocolates and micro dosage capsules. At the same time, you can stick with the raw form if you wish to relish the original taste. Another reason that makes shrooms a must-try is that microdosing them is easy with edibles. You can rely on the insights and recommendations of seasoned users and sellers to start with the safe ideal dose. It makes you confident and comfortable about using this relatively-new alternative therapy.

Magic mushrooms are no longer known only for causing euphoria and spiritual experiences. They are a scientifically-proven medicinal aid for several mental health problems. Since shrooms are accessible and available in palatable forms, trying them as an alternative therapy is easier than ever. You can go ahead without second thoughts and open the doors to a new form of holistic healing.

Sharing CBD Oil With Your Pets

By
Elizabeth Williams
CBD Oil With Your Pets

The US is a nation of pet lovers. There are around 90 million dogs, and 58 million cats being cared for in the states today. To try and quantify how much the average pet owner loves their companions, you only need to look at the annual expenditure on them. 

When Covid hit, many more people stayed at home with their pets than usual. In 2020, $99 billion was spent on pets in the US according to Britannica. Perhaps more surprising though is that 11% of dog owners plus 8% of cat owners were spending some of that money on CBD for pets. 

There is not only a growing trend for pet owners to share their CBD beliefs with their pets, but suppliers are making pet-centric products, especially for this market. 

But, is it wise to give CBD oil to a dog or a cat, and what benefits can it bring? Is it even considered safe for a dog to ingest CBD? 

Why would you want to give your pets CBD?

Pets can suffer from numerous physical ailments, and mental health issues just as their owners can. The reasons for giving CBD oil to pets are actually very similar to why humans decide to try oils, tinctures, and gummies; to relieve symptoms of a particular condition. 

The top cause for a pet owner to try CBD oil on their dog or cat is anxiety and stress. 46% of pet owners who give CBD to their animals said they did so to relieve anxiety and reduce symptoms of stress. 

The other reasons for CBD use in pets are as follows:

  • Pain relief – 25%
  • Cancer – 7%
  • Seizures – 7%
  • Digestive – 4%
  • Other reasons – 57% 

Respondents were allowed to select more than one reason for the use of CBD oil for their pets. Out of all the respondents to this survey by Woof Whiskers, 86% said they saw positive results. 

The average spend by a dog owner on CBD was $42 a month, and the market for this area is growing rapidly. In 2018, the CBD for pets market was worth just $32 million. Just 12 months later it grew to $400 million. Once Covid arrived and people were spending more time with their dogs and cats, the market rose again to $629 million by the end of 2021. 

Many different products are now on the market including chews and tinctures. Some tinctures such as Calm Down Buddy are designed for calming pets and are blended with terpenes to reduce stress. 

Why do pets get anxious and stressed?

All animals can get stressed or anxious but it is perhaps most obvious in cats and dogs as people spend more time around them. The symptoms are perhaps more noticeable because of this. 

Dogs can suffer from anxiety for a few reasons. The main types of anxiety in dogs are these: 

  • Separation anxiety
  • Age-related anxiety
  • Fear-related anxiety 

Separation anxiety is perhaps the most common type with around 14% of all dogs being affected by this disorder to some degree. It manifests itself when the dog is left alone or is left with strangers. 

Age-related anxiety can stem from cognitive functions breaking down as the dog gets older. This can lead to confusion and then anxiety. 

Fear-related anxiety is commonly seen when a dog experiences a new situation. This could be traveling in a car for the first time, or when it meets other dogs or people. Dogs can also have genuine phobias and common ones include storms. 

In humans, anxiety can affect relationships, and in pets, it is the same. Pets suffering from anxiety can pull away from their owners, bark constantly, become aggressive, and bite. 

It is for these reasons that many pet lovers are now trying CBD oil as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety, and help their dog or cat find calmness. 

What type of CBD products should you give your pet?

There are different forms of CBD for dogs but liquid is the best option. It is easy to digest and to administer. The dosage can be controlled easily too. Oils or tinctures are the best options, and it is preferable to buy one that is specifically aimed at pets. 

Avoid any nasty additives. This means either purchasing an organic CBD oil or avoiding ones containing fungicides and other additives such as pesticides. A simple way to do this is to avoid purchasing cheap CBD oils. Buy a quality product for your pet as you would for yourself. 

You may know how to relax your body and mind from anxiety but your dog doesn’t. If you want to help them with their symptoms then buy a good CBD oil that isn’t filled with unhealthy additives. 

Is it safe and legal to use CBD on a pet?

It should be fine to give CBD to your pet but to be on the safe side, products that are specifically catering to dogs and cats should be used. As for the legality of CBD for pets, this is okay too, but there are some gray areas. 

You won’t be able to ask your vet for advice on CBD or to administer it. It is illegal for vets to use CBD products to treat animals. They are also not supposed to get into discussions surrounding cannabis or CBD with pet owners either. 

While the use of CBD for pets is deemed to be largely safe, there may be some side effects. 

These typically include:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness 

CBD can also cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea in some cases. To avoid side effects, a low dosage should be used. 

Things to be aware of when giving CBD to your pet

The FDA has so far not given approval to any dog or cat CBD products. There is therefore no regulation surrounding the CBD for the pet sector. 

This is a good reason why only high-quality CBD oils and those specifically blended for pets should be used. Another reason to use pet CBD oil only is to avoid THC. 

THC is toxic for cats and dogs even in low dosages, so it should be avoided completely. Look for labels that show 0% THC when purchasing pet CBD oil. 

THC poisoning can last for 24 hours as dogs cannot process the compound in the same way humans can, and it can be very unpleasant for animals to cope with and can result in a coma. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center reported that in 2019 there was a 765% rise in calls concerning pets that had ingested marijuana. As these products become increasingly legalized, there is some added responsibility for the users.

 Summary

Although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to confidently state that CBD oil will reduce symptoms of anxiety in dogs, there are studies that have proven positive results. The majority of pet owners using CBD oil on their dogs have reported that they have witnessed positive changes in their animals. 

Terpenes have been proven to reduce stress in animals and pets. A quality CBD blended with terpenes could help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress. This could then result in a happier pet able to cope in stressful situations. It may also result in a closer bond between you and your dog or perhaps a cat.

5 Things to Know About Getting Engaged

By
Elizabeth Williams

Getting engaged is exciting. It’s one of those things that you’ve probably waited for your entire life. But it’s not something you want to jump into without preparation. And while there’s no way to fully prepare for being engaged, there are some things you can do upfront to ensure it’s as smooth as possible.

5 Things You Should Know

The intriguing thing about engagement is that it’s an entirely unique shared experience. In other words, anyone who has ever been engaged can relate, on some level, to the experience of engagement. However, at the same time, no two engagements are identical. It’s dependent on the individual circumstances and dynamic between both parties.

With all of that being said, here are several things you should know in advance:

  • Know the Difference Between the 3 L’s

When it comes to romantic attraction, there’s like, lust, and love. You might date someone that you like. And you might even enjoy a long relationship with someone you feel lust toward. However, there’s only one type that’s worthy of engagement and marriage: love.

Make sure you know the difference between like, lust, and love. A failure to account for the unique qualities between each can land you in hot water. Don’t rush into engagement. Take your time and make sure you’re truly in love with one another. 

  • Get on the Same Page

Once you get engaged, it’s imperative that you begin having transparent conversations around the following topics (if you haven’t already): 

  • Finances – Money is one of the number one stressors in a marriage. It’s also one of the leading causes of divorce. Don’t wait until you’re married to have important financial conversations. Now’s a great time to discuss your financial upbringing, goals, expectations, budget, etc.

 

  • Children – What kind of family do you want? Do you want children? How many? Are you open to adoption or fostering? How do you see their upbringing? What kind of parenting/disciplining style do you want to have? It’s important that you discuss all of these questions (and more).
  • Career  – What are your career goals? Does your partner have certain career aspirations? What will you do as a couple once there are children in the picture? Are there expectations for work-life balance? Talk through all of these things.

These are just some of the issues you’ll want to talk through during engagement. Sex and intimacy, religion, and boundaries with family and in-laws are other things to consider. 

  • Buying a Ring Takes Work

You might think that buying a ring is like shopping for a car, but it’s quite different. You don’t visit a jewelry store and pick out the first one that catches your eye and fits your budget. Buying a ring actually takes some work.

For starters, you need to shop with the right jewelers when buying a diamond engagement ring. Different companies specialize in different types of rings (and have unique processes for how they acquire their rings). Do your research and always shop with companies that have transparent supply chains – especially when purchasing a large ring like a five-carat diamond engagement ring.

If your significant other is adamant about the type of ring they want, you may want to shop together. But even if you’d like it to be a surprise, you’ll still want to ask friends and family for ideas.

  • Planning a Proposal is All About Details

The proposal is very important. It’s sort of like the first chapter of the rest of your lives together. You want it to be something that you both look back on fondly. While you definitely don’t need to have an extravagant party, it’s great if you can gather some close friends and family to have a celebration afterward.

  • Plan Ahead for the Big Day

Start planning for the wedding day sooner rather than later – especially if you plan on having a short engagement of six months or less. The first thing to do is nail down a date. This allows you to move forward with things like venues, wedding planners, and vendors.

Putting it All Together

Marriage is the most serious commitment you’ll make in your entire life. And getting engaged is basically a promise that you’re ready to make that commitment to your significant other. While you can’t know what it’s like to be engaged until you’re actually engaged, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare ahead of time. 

Remember the tips from this article and you’ll be one step ahead! 

How to Find the Right CBD Company to Buy From

By
Elizabeth Williams

Figuring out how to find the right CBD company to buy from may feel intimidating considering how many companies are flooding the market with impure products. However, companies like Bonata make it easy to be comfortable with your CBD choices when they make it clear how much they care about quality.

The best CBD companies understand how important your investment in your well-being is, and they have a reputation for making safe, pure CBD products. They are transparent and put the time and effort into ensuring that only the best ingredients go into their CBD edibles, vapes, and hemp flower.

Knowing what to look for will help you choose the right CBD company for you. Keep reading to discover how to know when you’ve found top shelf CBD. Then, enjoy the sense of calm you’ve been looking for from a CBD company you can trust.

Start With the Best Hemp Flower

There are three factors that go into making CBD products with the best hemp flower around:

  1. Soil
  2. Seeds
  3. Cure

Hemp Needs to be Grown in Safe Soil

Hemp is a known bioaccumulator. This means that it is great for cleaning the soil and the air, but the toxins it removes build up in the plant material. Look for CBD companies that take the utmost care to grow their hemp in clean soil to ensure that your products are free of heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides.

Good Hemp Seeds Have Good Genetics

Getting a high-quality hemp flower actually starts with the seed. Choose a company that focuses on growing hemp from seeds that are known for producing a more potent cannabinoid and terpene profile to get the most out of your CBD products with every dose.

Properly-Cured Hemp Preserves Flavor, Potency, and Freshness

Make sure the CBD company you buy from takes the time to properly cure the hemp plants to maximize retention of cannabinoids and terpenes. Hemp plants that have been cured right also have a longer shelf life.

The CBD Company You Buy From Should Have Experience

It’s one thing to come onto the market and claim you make the best CBD around, but companies that can back it up with years of experience are best. Look for CBD companies that have been around since hemp was first Federally legalized in 2018.

Buy CBD from Companies that Grow Hemp in the USA

Make sure you find a company that gets everything done in America. Companies that source their products on American soil are subject to strict Federal standards and this helps to ensure a better CBD product in the end.

Third-Party Lab Testing Ensures the Safety and Quality of CBD

In the end, your biggest concern for choosing the right CBD company to buy from is safety and quality. When you are investing in your well-being, you want to know you’re buying the safest, best CBD you can find.

Make sure you get your CBD from a company that is transparent. Look for third-party lab tests that are easily accessible to ensure your finished CBD products are free of mold, bacteria, pesticides, and other toxic compounds.

Putting the Customer First

CBD companies that don’t allow you to return their products don’t have confidence in their quality—and neither should you. Find a CBD company that allows you to make returns for a full refund.

Finding the Right CBD Company to Buy From is Simple When You Know What to Look For!

Simplify your CBD choices by sticking to just a few standards, and you’re sure to find the relief you’re looking for. Just make sure you buy your CBD from a company that focuses on pure, clean hemp, proper curing processes, transparency with third-party lab testing, and customer care!

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