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If You Want A Happy Marriage You Have To Set Expectations That You’ll Be Able To Meet

By
Stephanie Reeds

Having expectations for marriage is exactly the same as having them for everything else. Setting them low won’t disappoint you, but it would also do nothing to strengthen your connection and maintain your relationship in the long run.

On the other hand, setting them high will probably result in a happy, successful marriage. But it would also leave you devastated and shattered if your relationship suddenly started changing for the worst. That is why it is very important to maintain the right balance in life.

A lot of newlyweds think that once they get married, their relationship will only improve, and they will only get happier and happier over time. But that’s not always the case. Surprisingly, according to researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, the most optimistic partners tend to show the greatest decline in marital satisfaction.

They tried to decide what is the best way to set your expectations for a satisfying and long-lasting marriage and they conducted a study. They had a few couples as their participants. The researchers analyzed the first four years and found that the couples were the happiest when their expectations match their abilities to meet them. When the partners exhibited strong communication skills, their happiness increased with their high expectations but decreased with their low expectations. On the other hand, when the couples exhibited poor interpersonal skills, they were the happiest when they didn’t try to reach their high expectations.

In conclusion, every relationship has these certain phases in which the couple cannot really meet their high expectations, no matter how much they try. For some is much more frequent than others, but in the end, the most important thing that you can do is recognize these fluctuations in your marriage and adjust your sails accordingly.

In other words, finding balance is the key to strengthening your relationship and maintaining a happy marriage. Being aware of you and your partner’s flaws and accepting each other regardless of them is the first step to reaching that balance. After that, everything is a lot easier.

So, here’s what.

Instead of aiming high and setting very high expectations for your marriage, try acknowledging the general dynamics of your relationship by accepting the strengths and the weaknesses that you two have. Being honest with yourself and with them will definitely help you decide how to proceed. If you are happy with where you are right now and you are working on your issues, you will surely benefit from setting your expectations high. But if you feel like you two need more time to work on your problems, it might be best for you to set your expectations lower than usual.

In the end,  being aware of where you are in life and what you want from it are the most important factors that will eventually lead you to happiness and satisfaction.

The Slippery Slope Toward Compassion Fatigue: A Warning To All Empathetic Individuals

By
Riley Cooper

Ahh, those empaths – the healers of the world. They are the kind of people who have a gift – they can sense and absorb the feelings and energies of other people. So, if you happen to be an empath, then know that you’re a unique person.

But, also know that possessing an empathetic nature can be both a blessing and a curse. Being an empath means that you go through life sensing and internalizing other people’s colorful energies. You feel their happiness, their stress, their sadness, their pain.

When you’re an empath, you sense not only what those around you feel, but also what they need. You can sense when they need attention, validation, or an offer of support or help.

While it’s great having compassion for others, being so sensitive and feeling so deeply come at a cost. Having empathetic nature, you feel other people’s anxiety, stress, anger, and pain in your body. You might feel their pain both physically and emotionally. And if you let these negative emotions sit in your body, your mind and body can become overloaded.

Not only will internalizing other people’s feelings and energies lead to burnout, but it can also lead you down a slippery slope to compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue is a condition which often befalls highly sensitive people, caregivers, empaths, and most people that are regularly exposed to suffering in either people or animals.

It is caused by the physical and emotional burden created by the distress and trauma of listening to other people’s difficult and painful circumstances and helping them. When the empath, or any other highly-sensitive person, begins to experience compassion fatigue, this causes them to withdraw emotionally in order to preserve their well-being.

Typical symptoms of compassion fatigue include: feelings of helplessness, loss of pleasure, mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, insomnia, nightmares, and chronic stress.

Compassion Fatigue Sometimes Makes Empaths Come Off As Antisocial and Even Weird

Like we said, empaths are sensitive to the myriad of intense emotions, energies, and life struggles which occur around them. As a result of absorbing all of this and letting it sit in their body for a long time, empaths end up getting overwhelmed and in turn, they isolate themselves from others to preserve their health.

This sometimes makes emptahs come off as unfriendly and detached. Moreover, it makes them feel like no one understands them.

If you happen to be an empath and you’re struggling with compassion fatigue, know that it may be time for you to stop devoting yourself to helping other people for a while and start to practice self-care instead.

But, don’t shut down. Instead, turn to your family and friends for support. And if time spent with a particular family member or friend drains your energy or causes you to feel stressed out or anxious, you may wish to reduce the amount of time you spend with them as much as possible.

Remember – maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health should always be your number one priority.

What Are The Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms And When Do You Need Medical Help?

By
Elizabeth Williams
alcohol withdrawal syndrome treatments

What happens when you stop drinking? Alcohol withdrawal can cause some serious symptoms or even death. Discover the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Did you know that over 15 million Americans struggle with alcohol abuse?

There are plenty of reasons why quitting alcohol will benefit your health, but the journey is challenging. Learning about the recovery process can help prepare you for some of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

Do you want to learn what happens when you stop drinking? Keep reading to understand what your body will do.

Alcohol Withdrawal Causes a Wide Range of Negative Emotions

When your body loses its supply of something you’ve become dependent on, it’s normal to feel angry. One of the first symptoms of alcohol withdrawal you’ll notice is a wave of negative emotions. Detoxing from alcohol causes people to lash out, have mood swings, and feel anxious or depressed.

Although the emotional turbulence is strong for the first week, journaling can help you stay in charge of your feelings.

Mental Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal: Fogginess, Hallucinations, and Nightmares

Addiction changes the wiring in your brain so that you have a hard time functioning without the substance. During withdrawal, your brain will have to learn how to restore peace. As the alcohol leaves your system, the most common side effect you may experience is brain fog and fatigue.

Since detoxing is a traumatic experience, your brain may also respond by producing nightmares or, less commonly, hallucinations.

Tremors, Sweating, and Fever Are Common

Our livers are effective filters, which means you may start to feel the physical side effects of detoxing within a couple of hours after your last drink. Tremors, sweating, and fevers are signs that your body is purging the toxins. When it comes to quitting alcohol, you have to feel worse before you start to feel better.

An Alcohol Detox Induces Headaches, Loss of Appetite, and Nausea

Some other unpleasant symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include headache, loss of appetite, and nausea. One of the best ways to counteract these symptoms is to drink plenty of water. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means you have to make a strong effort to stay hydrated so your detox process is more tolerable.

What Happens When You Stop Drinking in Excess? Seizures May Occur

If you’re a heavy drinker, quitting alcohol will be a lot harder for you than for someone who drinks less. The best way to ensure that your journey to sobriety is safe and successful is to attend a detox clinic. Heavy drinkers are more prone to severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, which can be life-threatening.

Home And Medical Treatments For Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

During the whole withdrawal process,  professional care is vital for your wellbeing. Not only will the staff keep you safe, but they also have the tools and experience to make your detox as comfortable as possible.

Your health provider will ask you some questions to see when did you stop drinking and whether you have been through the same process earlier before. 

The best way is to consult a doctor, and they will do an exam, during which they will see if you suffer from some other health conditions. 

The Clinical Institute for Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol—revised (CIWA-Ar) scale is used as an assessment tool for evaluating the severity of the Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. (1) This assessment tool will help the doctor decide whether you need a medication or not. If your score is >20, it means that your withdrawal is severe and can have a serious impact on your life. 

The maximum score you can get is 67 and is rated as follows: 

  • 8 ( absent or very mild symptoms) 
  • 9- 14 ( symptoms of a mild withdrawal) 
  • 15 – 20 ( symptoms of a moderate withdrawal) 
  • >20 (symptoms of a severe withdrawal) 

You will be treated according to your symptoms and the severity of your withdrawal. 

So, if you have mild symptoms like insomnia or mild anxiety, you might only need supportive care, but in case you have moderate or severe symptoms, you will probably need pharmacological treatment. (2)

Home treatment for patients with milder symptoms 

Unless you have some severe health condition or you had a complex and difficult alcohol withdrawal in the past, and you have mild symptoms of the current alcohol withdrawal, you will only need : 

  • A healthy diet supported by a lot of fluids
  • A quiet, isolated place to stay, with soft lighting 
  • Positive atmosphere and support from your family and friends
  • Limited contact with other people 
  • Electrolyte balance

Type Of Food To Eat When You Try Alcohol Withdrawal 

As already stated, one of the most important things when you try an alcohol detox is staying hydrated. But, besides drinking a lot of water, eating a healthy diet is also very helpful for lowering the chances of getting some side effects.

The first rule to follow during the detoxication process is drinking water because staying hydrated can reduce the chances of vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea. 

When it comes to food, the following food is recommended to be taken during the detoxication process: 

  • Whole grains like oats and whole wheat bread are high in fiber and B vitamins that give energy and are good for the gut. When you have a healthy gut, you can support your liver and kidney which are important and vital organs in your body
  • Foods that are rich in protein such as eggs, poultry, lentils, seafood, and bone broth. 
  • Cayenne pepper is believed to reduce the desire for alcohol and improve the gut, vomiting, and headaches that usually appear during this process.
  • Healthy fats rich in Omega 3, such as walnuts, chia, and flax seed can reduce inflammation and improve your mood
  • Fruits and vegetables, since they are packed with vitamins, can help you stay hydrated and regulate the sugar level in your blood and sweet cravings.
  • Foods rich in vitamin B 

Medical Treatment For Patients With Severe Side Effects And Seizures

Nevertheless, if you have some serious side effects such as high temperature, high pulse or high blood pressure, hallucinations, or seizures, you should immediately seek medical care ( dial 911). 

Seizures usually occur in patients that had a history of withdrawals and sometimes may end up in Alcohol withdrawal delirium, which has a mortality rate of 1 to 5 %. Risk factors that might occur are: 

  • Older age 
  • Liver health issues
  • Additional acute medical condition 
  • Heavy drinking on a daily basis

Intravenous fluids

Intravenous fluids can be administered to patients with severe withdrawal from time to time. 

Additional treatment with supplements

Additional supplements can be given to patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, such as : 

  • Magnesium sulfate for cardiac arrhythmias (3) 
  • Multivitamins and thiamine (B1 vitamin) (100 mg on a daily basis) 

Treatment with medications

Medication can be given with a fixed schedule, usually a benzodiazepine, according to the symptoms and the severity, usually if the CIWA-Ar score is higher than 8 points. Benzodiazepine is prescribed for preventing seizures and delirium, sometimes with other adjunctive agents. 

Some medications ( diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and lorazepam) can be given according to the need of the patient and their symptoms without a fixed schedule, but this is closely monitored by a trained team. (4) 

In most cases, outpatient detoxification can be safe and effective, but some patients need inpatient treatment with close monitoring. 

In ambulatory treatment, treatment with a fixed schedule administration should be used. 

Patient Follow Up 

Unfortunately, the treatment doesn’t address the addiction itself, and there is little hope for abstinence in the long term. 

Some patients join anonymous groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) that enhance recovery and receive help from others. They hold 12 step program with on-site meetings. (5)

Other patients stay in treatment facilities that offer different therapies, such as family therapy and behavioral therapy, with additional programs according to the needs of the patients and include the elements the patient can afford.

Keeping in mind that sometimes the problem is not addressed, you can always speak to your health provider for additional information and advice.

What Are The Stages Of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Alcohol withdrawal can be a really unpleasant process, so if you want to try it and get sober, you should know the stages of this process to help you overcome it easily.

This withdrawal is caused by the neurotransmitters in your brain that are suppressed when you drink alcohol and make you feel euphoric. 

When you stop drinking, they become overstimulated and cause many of the symptoms that occur during the detoxication process.

They occur very quickly after the last drink you had, usually after two hours.

Let’s see what symptoms you will have in every stage when you start the detoxication process:

6-12 Hours After Last Drink

  • Vomiting
  • Mild Anxiety 
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Small tremors
  • Stomach upset 

12-24 Hours After Last Drink

  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations and disorientations
  • Shaking hands

48+ Hours After Last Drink

  • Fever and high temperature
  • High blood pressure
  • Delirium tremens
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations
  • Impaired attention

All of these symptoms may differ depending on the individual and whether they have some other complex health issues, how long they have been drinking, if they abused heavily other substances, and other factors.

What Is Delirium Tremens?

Delirium tremens is the most serious symptom and can sometimes be fatal. Fortunately, only 5% of the cases are deadly. The most common symptoms of delirium tremens are:

  • High fever
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations

If you or someone in your family shows these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

If you are a heavy drinker and you have been drinking heavily for several years, some symptoms may last for a year. 

They are usually milder but can still make the life of the people who go through the rehabilitation process difficult: 

They are as follows: 

  • Low energy
  • Insomnia
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Irritability and anxiety 
  • Problems with memory 
  • Susceptibility to accidents
  • Low reflexes 

You need to be patient and know these symptoms will subside with time. 

How To Try Quitting Alcohol Safely At Home 

If you are an alcohol addict, it is dangerous to stop drinking overnight, and you should try reducing the amount you take step by step, with a little bit of preparation and careful planning.

When you try to detox yourself at home, it means that you will do it without any medical or professional help. 

This can be an option for you only if you do not experience any severe withdrawal symptoms but is still not recommended. 

Nevertheless, it is crucial to consult your health provider before trying to stop drinking at home. 

If you decide to make it home without any medical help, you can take the following steps:

1. Keep a drinking diary

Before you stop drinking, you should keep a diary to see how much you consume every day and try to keep it at least for a week with the following information:

  • The time of the day you have it 
  • Each drink you take it 
  • How many units of alcohol it contained ( in case you drink from a bottle, you can measure each drink to see how much drink you had)

2. Reduce the intake by 10 % each day 

You can start reducing your alcohol intake by 10 % each day. Then continue with the process and try reducing by 10 % every four days. If some symptoms start to appear, it means that you are going through the whole process too quickly, and you should lower to cut down by 5% on a weekly basis instead of 10%. 

This process is called tapering or weaning off alcohol and it is quite rational and is already accepted in medical practice with antidepressants, for example, whose doses are gradually reduced when the patient is taken off this medication. 

It can be effective in some individuals and it is a self-treatment strategy that is most cost-effective, especially if you do not have health insurance or you cannot afford medical care. 

3. You are ready to stop

You can put an end to drinking if you drink less than 10 units of drink on a daily basis. But, seek immediate medical help in case you: 

  • Have hallucinations
  • Feeling dizzy and unsteady
  • Have a seizure
  • You are confused and disorientated
  • Have double visions

Important note: Do not stop drinking alcohol entirely in case you had experienced seizures or hallucinations before when you stopped.

8 Additional Tips To Consider When You Try To Stop Drinking Alcohol At Home

1. Be physically active and go for regular walks or take some yoga classes

2. Take out all alcohol you have at home and ensure that you do not have access to it

3. Get support from your family and friends and in case it sometimes doesn’t go as it should, they should consult a medical expert

4. Start some new activities, like a new hobby, to stay focused on something that doesn’t involve drinking

5. Avoid keeping the company of people with whom you drank together
Drink a lot of fluids and take electrolytes

6. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables because you will likely have sugar cravings and fruit will help you to overcome them more easily

7. Keep yourself distracted with other types of drinks, especially water and drinks with electrolytes

8. Stay away from people who make you feel stressed and feel angry

There are benefits from home detox despite the fact that it can be risky such as:

  • You are surrounded by your close family.
  • You keep your privacy all the time
  • It is less expensive
  • You are not stigmatized by society that you have been to a rehabilitation center.

However, the risk remains and some severe withdrawal symptoms may appear that should be treated only by a medical health professional and are considered dangerous, so probably the best way to detox from alcohol is with the help of a health professional.

Want to Learn More Alcohol Detox Facts and Tips?

Now that you know about what happens when you stop drinking, you can be prepared to succeed on your journey of improving your health.

If you’re interested in learning more about healthy living, Curious mind has it all. Keep browsing our blog for all of the helpful information you need to adopt a positive lifestyle.

8 Behaviors A Man Shows When He’s No Longer Into You

By
Riley Cooper

We all have experienced that blissful, all-consuming, warm, sublime feeling at the beginning of a relationship. The magic of the honeymoon phase. The butterflies in the stomach. The heart palpitations. The intense feelings of attraction and ecstasy. The passionate love.

Indeed, there is nothing more beautiful than being in the honeymoon phase.

Sadly, this phase doesn’t last forever. After certain period of time, the infatuation and intense passionate feelings fade away and genuine, deep love takes over.

Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some couples don’t make it to the next level. They break up after the honeymoon stage ends.

Luckily, there’re certain behaviors a person displays when they lose interest in a relationship.

So, here are 8 ways a man behaves when he’s no longer into you:

1. He cancels your plans to spend time with his friends.

During the first few months of the relationship, he hung out with you almost every day. He enjoyed doing everything together with you and he was always willing to rearrange his schedule so that he could spend time with you.

But, this is no longer the case. All of a sudden, he is too busy. He doesn’t bother to rearrange his schedule to go out to dinner or to the movies with you. Moreover, he cancels your plans so that he can spend time with his buddies.

2. You don’t feel the passion in his kisses anymore.

He used to make you go weak at the knees and he used to make your heart beat like crazy when he kissed you because his kisses were passionate.

But, now things have changed. His kisses have changed. They’re no longer warm and ardent the way they used to be.

3. He keeps you waiting for him for ages to respond to your texts.

He used to answer your calls and respond to your messages right away. But, lately, he’s been ignoring your calls. He doesn’t bother to return your call or text you back even if he has 6 missed calls from you.

When a man starts ignoring your calls and messages, this indicates a change in his list of priorities. And chances are that you are no longer on the top of it.

4. He no longer plans your dates.

There was a time when he enjoyed planning your holidays and date nights. All you needed to do was try to guess what surprises and exciting ideas he had in store.

But, now that is over. Now, you’re the one who is planning your dates. And I hate to break it to you, but if he’s lost interest in planning your date nights, organizing your trips, and etc. chances are that he’s lost interest in you as well.

5. He flirts with other women in front of you.

If you can often catch him looking at or openly flirting with other women, even in your presence, this may be a red flag that he doesn’t value your relationship anymore.

And if he no longer values your relationship, chances are that he doesn’t care about you, nor does he care about the way his disrespectful behavior makes you feel.

6. He avoids talking about your relationship.

Every time you bring up some problem you two are dealing with in the relationship, he instantly changes the topic. He even dodges questions about your future.

If he doesn’t appear to want to define your love status, then this may be a strong warning that not only has he lost interest in you, he also has no intention of committing to you.

7. He’s become moody.

We all have our good and bad days, but when your beloved is constantly feeling grumpy and he rarely apologizes to you for his behavior, this may be a sign that he’s dissatisfied with your relationship.

When small, unimportant things annoy him or make him quickly lose his temper, this might indicate that your relationship is more like a source of distress and dissatisfaction than a source of contentment and joy to him.

8. He stops caring about his appearance.

During the first few months of your relationship, he always made sure that he looked good around you.

But now that he might have lost interest in you, he lets his hygiene around you slip. He no longer bothers to impress you with his hairstyle or his clothes the way he used to. He feels comfortable wearing scruffy clothes and looking like a mess around you.

This level of comfort might be a sign that he doesn’t feel like you’re important enough for him anymore to look good in your presence.

7 Meaningful Jobs That Leave Workers Feeling Better After Their Shifts

By
Elizabeth Williams

Looking for a job that gives more than it takes? Look no further. Here are 7 meaningful jobs that are more rewarding than their big salaries.

Approximately 53 percent of Americans currently feel unhappy or unsatisfied with their jobs. 

Are you part of this group? Are you worried that you might become part of it if you don’t find a job that gives you a sense of purpose?

Doing work that allows you to help others is a great way to feel better and more satisfied with your job.

If you’re considering a career switch, or if you want to choose a career that feeds your soul and not just your bank account, these seven meaningful jobs are great ones to consider.

  1. Education Administrators

Most people who have careers in education report high levels of job satisfaction and find a lot of meaning in their work. Some educational careers appear to be more meaningful than others, though.

Those who work their way up to the administration side of the education field consider their work to be very meaningful. They also find that their work helps them to make the world a better place.

Education administrators working at the elementary and second school levels seem to find the most meaning in their jobs. A smaller (although still significant) percentage of postsecondary education administrators have the same feeling.

In order to work as an education administrator, you’ll need to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an education-related subject. You may also want to consider going on to pursue a doctorate.

  1. Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are responsible for providing counseling to and writing prescriptions for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.

In many cases, psychiatrists give these people the help they need to change and improve their quality of life. It’s one of the most rewarding careers out there (and the pay isn’t bad, either).

As a psychiatrist, you will spend your day listening to and offering support to individuals dealing with a wide array of symptoms. It can be a draining job in some ways, but it’s also very rewarding to be able to help people start to feel better and making needed changes in their lives.

To work as a psychiatrist, you’ll need to pursue a medical degree and complete your residency like other medical professionals. It’s a long career path, but the outcome is often well worth the wait.

  1. Chiropractors

Another meaningful career option in the medical field is a career as a chiropractor. Chiropractors manually adjust the spine in order to help patients feel relief from chronic pain.

Chiropractors can also help with other health problems, such as allergies, headaches, anxiety, and sports injuries. Being able to help people feel better and exist without pain is very meaningful and provides a great deal of satisfaction to most chiropractors.

Chiropractors must obtain a medical degree just like other doctors. They actually spend more time in school that medical doctors do. 

If you’re willing to put in the time to receive your training, working as a chiropractor can help you feel very fulfilled in your career.

  1. Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals struggling with addiction. They help these people overcome their addictions and change their behavior patterns so they can live sober and productive lives.

This kind of work certainly comes with a lot of challenges. It comes with a lot of rewards as well, though. There are few feelings as significant as seeing someone turn their life around and stop using the substances that were harming them and others.

Most rehabilitation counselors have a master’s degree. Some are also able to find work with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

  1. Kindergarten Teachers

You already know that careers in education are rewarding. You don’t always have to pursue a master’s degree in order to experience those rewards, though.

Of all the educational careers that provide a lot of meaning and fulfillment to a person’s life, working as a kindergarten teacher comes in at the top of the list. Getting to help shape young children’s lives and start their educational experience off on the right foot is a great opportunity. 

Kindergarten teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to teach. Many go on to pursue master’s degrees eventually, though.

  1. Surgeons

Surgeons regularly report experiencing high levels of job satisfaction. When you consider the often life-saving work that they do each day, this makes perfect sense.

Of course, being a surgeon isn’t easy, either. You face a lot of challenges when operating on the human body. Overcoming these challenges and finding ways to save your patient is very rewarding, though.

It takes a lot of hard work to become a surgeon. You’ll need to be in school for a very long time before you can work on your own. However, the lessons you’ll learn along the way (and continue to learn as you begin your career) are well worth the wait. 

  1. Home Care Aides

Home care aides are individuals who are trained to help seniors and others who may be struggling with long-term health problems. Home care aides spend time in the home with these individuals on a regular basis helping them carry out various activities.

Some home care aides are trained to administer medicine and help with physical and occupational therapy-related tasks. Others help with everyday activities like eating, using the bathroom, and getting dressed.

Home care aides also often provide companionship and spend time communicating with seniors or those who are homebound for much of the day.

This is a very rewarding job that doesn’t require a lot of training or education. It’s a good option for those who want to feel fulfilled in their careers but don’t have the time or means necessary for long-term schooling.

Learn More About These Meaningful Jobs Today

As you can see, there are lots of meaningful jobs out there that will allow you to do what you love, make people’s days better, and get paid. What better combination is there?

Are you interested in learning more about any of these jobs? Have you found one that seems like something you want to pursue?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, check the Self-Improvement section of our site today.

You’ll find lots of helpful articles here that will teach you the skills you need to land the job of your dreams!

Weight Loss That Works: 7 Innovative Weight Loss Methods To Safely Try

By
Elizabeth Williams

Weight loss and innovation go hand in hand in the 21st century, as high-tech solutions are helping people shed pounds. Here’s some new weight loss that works.

According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of Americans are trying to lose weight. To match this, there are thousands of products, programs, and tips available that promise miracle results.

If you are one of many that would like to shed a few unwanted pounds, figuring which of these methods will actually work is no easy task. Of course, most of us know that to achieve weight loss that works you must eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise.

But what if there were a couple of tricks that you could implement that would speed up the results of all your weight-loss efforts? Ones that are proven to work?

Well, there are, and we are about to share these proven hacks with you. Read on to find out what they are and start speeding up your weight-loss program!

  1. Make Simpler Meals

One of the easiest ways to unconsciously consume fewer calories at each sitting is to make and eat simper meals. 

A published study revealed that participants who were served meals that had a greater variety of foods, flavors and textures were likely to consume a considerably higher amount of calories than when served a simpler meal. The findings showed that participants served a four-course meal consumed up to 60% more calories than usual. 

  1. Count Your Chews

There is a good reason your parents used to tell you to chew your food slowly. Not only is it better for digestion, but it can also curb the number of calories that you consume at each meal. 

According to a meta-analysis of 22 published studies on the subject, chewing your food slowly can result in a marked decrease in the number of calories that you end up taking in during a meal. 

It can be easy to forget your resolution to eat slower, so to train yourself to be a diligent chewer, count the number of times that you chew each mouthful. A popular number of chews to aim for per mouthful is 32. 

  1. Hang a Mirror Opposite Your Dining Room Chair

Another great way to monitor the way you are eating is by hanging a mirror opposite where you usually sit when having a meal. Not only will you notice if you are chewing too little, but you will probably also eat less.

According to a published study, participants who were able to see themselves in a mirror while eating consumed less food, and demonstrated modifications in their eating behavior such as increased chewing.

  1. Keep a Photographic Food Diary

The concept of a food diary is nothing new. Food diaries help to keep one accountable for the foods and portion sizes that one eats. But what is even better than a regular food diary is a photographic one. 

Simply snap a pic of each meal or snack that you eat during the day. This visual documentation allows no room for error and is super easy to do. 

  1. Turn down the Heat

While central heating might be keeping you cozy in winter, it could also be secretly keeping you from dropping those extra pounds. 

Research has shown that exposure to cool temperatures can not only causes the body to burn fat at a revved up rate, but it also causes any new fat cells to be created in a form that is cued to be burnt off.

The way this works is that when new fat stem cells are created under colder conditions, they are predisposed to be brown fat cells as opposed to white fat cells. White fat cells are designed for long term storage of fat (no!) while brown fat cells are built to be burnt off readily.

If you want any further evidence of this chilly weight-loss hack, Lewis Pugh, the man who swims in some of the coldest waters on earth, has to maintain a diet of 10 000 calories per day, over triple that of a normal athlete’s diet during competitions.

So turn down the heating and ramp up the fat burning!

  1. Get NEAT

No, organizing your desk won’t necessarily make you lose weight… But the movements that you make while doing so might!

NEAT, which stands for nonexercise activity thermogenesis, is the energy that you expend doing movements through your day that are not designed to be exercise. For example, walking around your house, standing, and even fidgeting fall into this category of movements. 

According to research done by Mayo Clinic, nonexercise activities like these can burn up to 2000 calories per day. They can also increase other health metrics and can help to prevent cardiovascular events. This makes nonexercise activities a valuable form of fat burning.

To maximize the effects of nonexercise activity try to increase the number of movements that you make in a day. When possible, stand rather than sit, and do things like choosing the stairs over an elevator. 

  1. Try Orbera

Another innovative weight-loss method that is now on the scene is a procedure called Orbera which can be undergone in the Tampa Bay area and Orlando surrounds. During the procedure, a soft deflated weight-loss balloon is inserted through the esophagus into the stomach. Once there it is filled with a safe saline solution and inflates to roughly the size of a grapefruit. 

Once filled the balloon acts to reduce the available volume of the stomach and to stimulate feelings of fullness. This, in turn, can result in effortlessly reduced food intake. 

The balloon stays in place for six months, during which time the treatment includes diet and exercise coaching. The procedure is non-invasive and patients can leave the same day.

If you are curious about this unusual weight-loss method, you can check out some orbera reviews to learn more. 

Now You Have Some of the Best Tips for Weight Loss That Works

Hitting on a method of weight loss that works can feel incredibly daunting with the plethora of unverified claims and products floating around. But with a healthy lifestyle, and a few tricks up your sleeve you may just find yourself crushing those weight-loss goals.

If you are not only looking to slim down but also to increase your overall well-being and vitality, then check out our health section for more articles like this one. 

 

Loose Skin Who? 5 Easy (and Legitimate) Home Remedies for Sagging Skin

By
Elizabeth Williams

You don’t need to get surgery to have perfect skin. Discover the most effective home remedies for sagging skin here.

Did you just lose a bunch of weight? If so, you might have a new problem on your hands—sagging skin!

Roughly 70% of people who lose a lot of weight over a relatively short period of time are left with sagging skin. People can also suffer from sagging skin as a result of aging.

If you have sagging skin, there are some steps you can take to make the problem a thing of the past. Here are five home remedies for sagging skin that you should try.

  1. Start Drinking as Much Water as You Can

Are you taking in enough water on a daily basis? Studies have shown that most Americans aren’t, and it can take a huge toll on just about every part of your body.

Your skin, in particular, will often dry out and sag when it’s not getting access to enough water day in and day out. It’s why you should make drinking water part of your everyday routine.

This is one of the simplest home remedies for sagging skin. You’ll notice a real change in the appearance of your skin when you increase your water intake.

  1. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Exercise

Exercising at least a few times every week is great for your heart. It’s also good for all of the different muscle groups throughout your body. But did you know that it can work wonders for your skin, too?

When you break a sweat while you’re exercising, your body will eliminate a lot of the toxins that sit right beneath your skin. Exercising will also improve the elasticity of your skin and stop it from sagging over time.

  1. Apply Egg Whites to Your Sagging Skin

When you first start putting egg whites on your sagging skin, you might feel a little bit silly. But you won’t be laughing once you see how effective egg whites can be when it comes to tightening up your skin.

Egg whites are a natural astringent that will provide your skin with the nourishment it needs. When you apply them to your face, your neck, and other parts of your body regularly, you’ll see your skin start to tighten up within just a few weeks.

  1. Give Green Tea a Try

There are so many health benefits that come along with drinking green tea. One of the biggest benefits is that it provides you with valuable antioxidants that will leave you with healthier skin.

Try substituting your second cup of coffee every day with green tea instead. It’s an easy way to remove toxins from your body while giving your skin a boost.

  1. Invest in Proven Skin Care Solutions

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of skincare products marketed to those suffering from sagging skin. But many of them won’t work once you get them home.

Dr. Bill Andrews from Siorai explains that using too many skincare products can do more harm than good. He recommends not believing all the claims that different beauty products make and sticking to what you know works for your skin.

Do your research to track down the right products for sagging skin.

Put These Home Remedies for Sagging Skin to the Test

If you have sagging skin at the moment, you might think you’re doomed to live with it for the rest of your life. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!

By using home remedies for sagging skin like the ones listed here, you can transform your skin in no time. You can make it tight again and improve your overall appearance in the process.

Check out our other articles to find more information on taking better care of your skin.

 

10 Key Things You Should Always Do On a First Date

By
Elizabeth Williams

There’s more to a first date than just getting to know someone. Keep reading for 10 key things you should always do on a first date.

Do you want to know the secrets to the first date? Are you hoping to learn a bit more about your potential partner? 

Preparing for the first date can be scary and exciting at the same time. Even if you’re confident everything will end well, it’s good to know some tips for having a good time. 

If you’re someone ready to go on a date and need some preparation tips, keep reading for the answers you’ve been waiting for.  

  1. Use Active Listening

Active listening allows you to take in and retain more information per conversation. This proves useful once you’re on the first date and each party starts sharing the small parts of their lives. Your date will have a life full of personal reflections and minutia. It’s important that you listen intently if you wish to form an accurate idea of their lifestyle. 

Deep listening involves thoughtful responses as well. If you prove that you understand what you’ve heard you’re likely to build a rapport with your date. In fact, one of the quickest ways to building trust in any relationship is through active listening. 

Since active listening is so important it’s essential that you limit your distractions. The fewer distractions you have around you the more capable you are of listening. This is why picking the right location for your date is a top priority. 

  1. Pick the Right Spot 

Your location does a couple of things when you’re on a first date. 

  1. It influences everyone’s behavior 
  2. It affects how you prepare for a date

Before you pick a location understand that most people have nuanced relationships with different kinds of venues. Your date might be someone who could care less where you eat. Regardless, the easiest way for you to pick a location is by knowing the ways different venues will change your behavior. 

Moreover, you can better prepare for your date by maintaining awareness around the previous fact. For example, if you plan to take your date into a crowded situation it might prove difficult for you to hold composure. Conversely, you might feel it’s necessary to find a venue with enough going on to keep things interesting. 

Either way, picking the right location is one of the first steps toward mental preparedness. 

  1. Be Mentally Prepared  

Many first date tips will advise against holding unrealistic expectations. In fact, being mentally prepared means more than being composed, it requires you to be aware of the expectations surrounding your date.

Planning out the whole date in your head can lead to a lot of nerves and tension. Before you go out on your date try taking a big pause. There is nothing to be afraid of on the other side of your experience. In reality, your date is likely to feel just as nervous.  

Instead of forming expectations, try being present for the experience. This may be hard if you’re nervous, so try looking up meditations or calming exercises before going out. 

  1. Hold Off On Big Gifts 

Many people bring large gifts or make public displays of affection to earn the approval of their date. Rather than pulling out all the stops, try showing small acts that reflect the kind of person you are. 

On the first date, we all want to put our best foot forward, but in reality, all we need to do is demonstrate who we really are. If you’re thinking about setting a good impression you can try giving a gift that is subtle and nice. 

Choosing a large gift on the first date could make your partner feel pressured or even guilty for not bringing one. Instead of letting this happen, think about the kind of gift you would feel comfortable receiving on your first date. If you can’t think of a good example, try checking out BloomsyBox for a simple yet alluring gift. 

  1. Smile and Make Eye Contact

When learning how to date it’s important to start with basic gestures. Smiling makes others feel more safe and comfortable. If you pair steady eye contact with an honest smile you’re likely to make a good first impression. 

In fact, making eye contact is proven to keep others engaged. Furthermore, doing this can raise your personal confidence level. 

If it’s challenging for you to hold eye contact you can do simple exercises to get better at this. You can try watching videos that specifically engage eye contact or practice with yourself. 

The upshot? Facial cues conceal and reveal meaning. If you keep looking away or frowning then it appears you’re disinterested or anxious. 

The easiest way to fix this is through practice. You will have plenty of time to practice simple facial cues with everyone from loved ones to other first dates. 

  1. Body Language

One of the first things anyone notices on the first date is the other person’s presentation and body language. Once you’re closer you take in the smaller details of the face, hair, and eyes. Therefore, you can make a positive first impression simply by paying awareness of the way you stand, walk, and use your hands. 

One tip is to stand straight but not uncomfortably so. You want to stand straight enough to show confidence and readiness to talk at eye level, however, you don’t want to seem overly composed. 

Another tip is to use your hands when you speak. It’s possible to convey emotion and thought with your hands. You can do this most easily by studying hand gestures and body language. 

  1. Empathy  

Empathy is the number one tool at your disposal when the big night finally comes. This emotional toolbox lets you identify with your date and gives them the confidence to do the same. 

More than anything you want to establish trust and show compassion. Don’t just mirror your date, but ask them questions that you’ve given some thought. Do your best to identify with their interests and lives. 

These tips will take you much closer to emotional intimacy and honest communication. 

  1. Mindfulness 

Mindfulness means being aware of how you feel, how your date might feel, and of the details of your shared situation. This one is more abstract than others and requires that you think over the reasons why you’re going on a date in the first place. 

This doesn’t mean that you should give up on your date, instead, you should address what needs going a date takes care of. Do you want this more than you want your own approval? 

In other words, mindfulness is holding awareness for your reasons and your actions before going on a date. Do this and you won’t be as nervous or worried beforehand. 

  1. Transparency 

Be open and honest. Transparency raises trust between people. If you start your night being completely open about how you feel then your chances of having a good time level up. 

You don’t have to pour out all of your feelings. However, you can open up about your deeper interests, desires, and goals you have for your life. These facts bring people closer together and make insecurities move further apart. 

Furthermore, transparency gives you the chance to see if you’re on a date with the right person. If they accept you for who you are then things are likely to be positive. 

  1. Establish A Second Date

The goal of a first date is almost always to establish a second. If after following the steps listed above you think a second date is in order, follow these steps: 

  1. Express as openly as you can your thoughts of the date
  2. Ask out of honesty, not out of obligation 
  3. Use confident body language and make eye contact 

This might seem like the quickest way to get your heart hurt. Yet, being open about your internal state is the way to reaching closure and a second date. 

Make Your First Date Count 

The moments leading up to the first date can be daunting or uplifting. The promise of a second can cause some of us to feel accepted and joyful. It’s preparing for the moment in between that cause many of us to shiver with doubt. 

In truth, as long as you are honest with yourself and your date you will be fine. After reading this post you have a larger toolkit for presenting yourself and asking for a second date. What else is there to do?

For starters, dating advice is relevant across all areas of romance, relationships, and psychology. You can become a better-prepared partner by knowing more about your brain and the secrets to relationship success. So, what’s stopping you?

Your next step is to read across topics to gain a better sense for what it takes to be a healthier person. Go out and grow to your heart’s content! 

Don’t forget to bookmark our site to never miss any of our latest posts! 

 

Steps To Choosing The Right Canopy Tent For Any Event

By
Elizabeth Williams

One of the wisest decisions that anyone can ever make is to purchase canopy tent printing, which always plays a significant role in outdoor events. The use of canopy tents is not limited to corporate events but equally, come handy for private occasions that are held in an open environment. Since there are numerous ways that the temporary shelters can be used, they are a favorite choice for lots of occasions, including home parties, business fairs & exhibitions, promotional ventures, and family camps.

The short of it is that anytime one thinks about being outdoors, the most practical solution one can ever go for when it comes to a temporary shelter is canopy tents. These practical solutions have conveniently replaced the use of large umbrellas that for long, was the suitable way of being protected from extreme weather conditions.

The only challenge that comes with settling for canopy tents is that the market is flooded with lots of options, and it takes careful evaluation to find a premium quality model. Nonetheless, it does not take rocket science to settle for cool tent canopy options from the lots of options in the market. It is very simple to narrow down on the options that will give you the desired satisfaction as all it takes is focusing on the vital aspects of these tents. As such, before rushing to go for the next available canopy tent, it is important that you take to account the following factors;

  1. The brand superiority

The power of market reviews can never be under-looked when expecting to make a purchase in the market today. Leading canopy tent manufacturers will have excellent ratings from their past clients, and this is the first giveaway sign of quality-guaranteed solutions. An investment in ensuring that all clients have satisfactory solutions is not an aspect that can be easily faded, and only top brand companies can achieve this. A quick scan through the independent reviews by past clients is an efficient way of avoiding future regrets as it provides an overview of what to expect from the manufacturer.

  1. The frame materials

One of the most important features of a canopy tent that dictates its performance is the materials used to build its frame. It is the frame that supports the entire structure and consequently dictates how well the tent will function under varied conditions. There is always a tough balance to make when thinking about the frames as on the one hand it needs to be strong, and on the other hand, it should be lightweight. Leading manufacturers have found the perfect balance by providing their clients with a canopy tent made of either steel frames or aluminum frames. These materials support the much-needed functionality without making the entire tent too heavy to be carried from one location to the other.

  1. The materials used to make the canopy fabric

A canopy tent is not meant to be used once before it can be disposed and must have fabric that will not be easily damaged. Commercial grade canopy tents are made of stronger fabric that is weatherproof and can withstand continuous usage. The fabric should be UV-resistant as well as have great waterproofness since there is never determining when it could rain when outdoors. For uncompromising performance in all conditions, it is vital to focus on the canopy fabric as it influences how well the tent will be in its use.

  1. How the canopy tent will be set up

It is important to master how to tie down a canopy tent, and while this is never complicated, it is vital to take into account extreme conditions. Strong winds are the greatest worry for anyone who gets to use a canopy tent as they can easily be blown away. However, leading manufacturers have taken to account this factor and have extra accessories for their clients. The inclusion of sandbags and steel weight plates is practical in ensuring that the tent can be firmly set up and withstand strong winds or heavy rains.

In the end, choosing the right canopy tent is the first step to ensuring that the outdoor event goes down successfully. No compromises should ever be made when making the selection as the last thing anyone wants is to make a purchase that will not give you maximum return for your money. The best part is leading manufacturers are ever a few clicks away from making all those requirements a reality.

How to Create a Wonderful Morning Coffee Easily

By
Elizabeth Williams

Not many things can compare to a cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. Both the taste and the smell reinvigorate the senses and help you get ready for a productive day. Don’t forget that coffee pairs well with almost any kind of breakfast. A simple croissant, bacon and eggs, or ham sandwich – you name it, and coffee is an excellent companion.

One question still remains, though. How do you brew that perfect cup every morning without too much work? There are a few tips and tricks to ensure a wonderfully brewed cup, and they can be divided into two categories – coffee-making methods and general guidelines. In this article, we’ll discuss both.

Coffee-Making Methods

According to a survey and info from Home Grounds, almost 80% of Americans have their first coffee at home. Traditionally, drip brewing is the most popular coffee-making method. However, French press and pour over brewers are becoming increasingly popular, especially with millennials. Here’s a quick rundown of some tried and tested brewing techniques for each method.

Drip Brewing

With drip brewing as well as any other method, it all starts with the beans. In fact, it’s best to get whole beans and grind them yourself. For drip coffee, the ground beans should feel and look the same as table salt (granulated). Of course, you need to aim for uniformity.

You should turn off the drip brewer as soon as it’s done, which is the moment the coffee/machine stops bubbling. This way, your coffee won’t have a foul burnt taste. And don’t forget to give the machine a thorough clean-up every two or three weeks.

Pour Over

This time, you need to bring water to a boil and get your beans ready. Again, you are aiming for table salt-like consistency.

It is crucial to prepare the brewer as well. Place the filter and then pour hot water to get rid of paper residue and get the brewer nice and warm. Of course, make sure to remove the excess water before brewing.

With grounds inside the filter (nice and level), start pouring hot water from the center and slowly work your way towards the edges. They should soak well, and you can stop as soon as coffee starts dripping, then repeat until you’ve used a sufficient amount of water.

It’s also important to get the temperature right. The optimal brewing temperature is between 195°F and 205°F because it allows the grind to release all the aromas and flavors.

French Press

In a way, French press is similar to pour over brewing. To be exact, you can get the brewer warm and the water temperature is again between 195°F and 205°F. However, the grounds need to have a breadcrumb-like consistency with as little fine grit as possible.

The optimal brewing time for a French press is about four minutes. You should then gently press onto the plunger to squeeze out the grind. After brewing, you should never leave the coffee in the press. Otherwise, the taste might become bitter.

General Guidelines

Coffee Selection and Preparation

The importance of choosing great coffee cannot be overstated. Some might consider this as a bit of snobbery, but once you taste the final result, you’ll understand why people obsess about it. There are two main types of coffee – Arabica and Robusta.

Robusta usually has more caffeine and Arabica has a broad flavor range. In addition, Arabica is thought to be a superior bean, but this doesn’t mean you cannot get a great Robusta. Ideally, you should get the beans fresh and do your own roasting, regardless of the type.

Of course, this takes time and is not something you can do every morning. With that in mind, aim to get the freshest possible roast at your local shop and focus on proper storage and grinding. In general, it’s enough to have a week’s supply of coffee and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.

When it comes to grinding, it all depends on the type of coffee you like to drink. Also, it won’t hurt to invest in a good grinder to ensure proper consistency.

Water  

For a great morning coffee, regular tap water just won’t cut it because it can be full or chlorine and impurities. If you are a true aficionado, it is best to use something natural like spring water or, at least, install a filter on your tap.

This way, you retain all the desirable minerals that can improve the coffee flavor and remove the water contaminants that could hurt the taste.

Rise and Shine to a Wonderful Cup

There is no such thing as a difficult way to make the morning coffee. That said, it does take some preparation and know-how to make a wonderful cup of coffee without much extra work. The brewing routine that delivers excellent results is half the fun. So go on, make your own cup and enjoy the day ahead.

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