How Negative Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Skin (+ 6 Tips To Change That)

Image source   All processes in our body are controlled by the nervous system. At the same time, the strongest bonds connect it with the skin, since they are the real embryological twins. Let us explain what this means. During the development of the embryo, the spinal cord and brain, peripheral nerves and epidermis are created from one material — the ectoderm, the outer germ layer of the embryo. And then these systems exchange a never-ending stream of messages for your whole life.   The relationship between the state of mind and skin   In dermatology, there is a section of psycho dermatology — a discipline at the junction with psychology. It studies the connection between skin conditions and our emotional background. And this is not surprising: the condition of the skin directly depends on the psyche.   The effects of stress   It is known, for example, that stress can worsen the course of such skin diseases like  dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. And, conversely, skin diseases, during which acne, irritation, dryness are observed, can cause severe stress. In addition, stress negatively affects healthy skin.   Some scientific works have proved that on the background of stress, the permeability of the…

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Social Distancing Does NOT Mean Social Isolation

Hi Everyone, This has been a trying time for everybody.  We are social distancing and for some, it's turning into social isolation.  It's a lesson we all need to learn.  social distancing does not mean social isolation.  But as I said, this is a very trying time, and we are all trying to navigate the uncharted waters of Covid-19. As I have mentioned before, I'm a teacher, and with schools closed, we've shifted to an online model and it hasn't been easy.  I literally find myself working and interacting with kids all hours of the day - and night.  Yes, I get text messages and emails whenever the kids decide to work.  I've received messages as late (or as early depending on your perspective) as 2:42 in the morning!  Working from home is a time management and time balancing act I am ill-prepared to manage.  It's killing me because if ever there was a time for thinking positive, it's now! There are four people in my house, so I am not socially isolated, but in a way I am.  Looking at the same faces day in and day out can be a struggle, I am learning, and no amount of…

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Positive Practices for a Productive Commute 

Positive Practices for a Productive Commute With rush hour traffic, projects waiting for us at our desks and an overall busy homelife, we rarely think of our mornings as relaxing. To make things worse, we often get to work only to have to deal with awful mental blocks or that nagging feeling that we’re wasting time on menial tasks –– you know, those times where you feel like you’ve done so much yet accomplished nothing? Well, a hectic and stressful morning routine can be the culprit to this unhealthy cycle.   According to a recent survey by Car Rentals on morning commute practices, a busy and stressful commute can hinder our focus and productivity at work. The survey found that nearly 40% of people ages 18-24 think about work on their way to and from work. This inability to disconnect can not only lead to mental blocks and added stress, but can also cause us to feel burnt out.   If your morning commutes are often jammed packed and hectic, perhaps incorporating a few new healthy morning practices can help you better organize, compartmentalize and decompress before getting to work and back home. Below are some simple practices you can…

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3 Ways to Empower Yourself to be Prepared

3 Ways to Empower Yourself to be Prepared   No one likes thinking of an emergency situation. We focus on the positives and try to avoid negative “what if” thoughts. This mindset can be good because it’s impossible to prepare for everything, but it can also be harmful if you aren’t prepared at all.   Luckily, you can find a balance between the two. There are 3 things you can do to empower yourself to be better prepared for an emergency. These simple actions will help you live more confidently and positively in your daily life. 1. Make a plan with your family It can be scary to think about an emergency situation impacting your family, but creating a rough plan will help if anything were to happen. This plan will vary based on where you live, but it should include a family meeting place and an emergency kit with food and supplies. Everything might not go as planned if something were to happen (it usually doesn’t) but having a plan will help you feel safer in your daily life. This sense of security will calm any “what if” thoughts.         2. Have an emergency contact list…

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Travel Differently in 2020

Travel Differently in 2020 Six Ways You Can Make the World a Better Place               Image source In the past couple of years, people are being more aware of how important it is to be sustainable. It started mainly with food and clothes but people are realising that you can do sustainable travel, have fun and still contribute to the Earth. Most of us are not aware that travellers are the best promoters for celebrating and taking care of our world. 2020 is the time to choose a different approach to travel and support sustainable development. Help Save Coral Communities in Seychelles If you like beaches and golden sand, The Indian Ocean’s Curieuse Island is the best option for you. It is known for the giant tortoises, golden sand and massive sea coconuts. This is where you can see the unfortunate effects of climate change, especially in the Marine National Park. Instead of laying out on the beach and staying in an expensive resort you can get involved in a program that helps evaluate the health of the waters that surround the coral reefs and the coastal ecosystem by measuring the growth of the…

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7 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem

7 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem Self-esteem refers to how you view your worth. Whether you are aware or unaware of it, your evaluation or perception of yourself in terms of your capabilities, potentials, and emotional and physical features affects your lifestyle, academic or work performance, relationships, and other life concerns. Because of this, self-esteem plays a crucial role in helping you develop and maintain relationships, find success in school or work, and stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. Since a healthy dose of self-esteem can do wonders for various aspects of your life, you need to know when and how to give it a boost, especially at times when you know it has taken a hit. Leading providers of professional clinical supervision services share some helpful tips below on how to improve your feelings of self-worth: 1.    Practice positive affirmation Everyone hears discouraging and unkind words from time to time. The popularity of social media has also made it easier for people to post whatever they want to say about others, even if these remarks are hurtful and harsh. If your self-confidence has taken a dip because you heard or read something upsetting, avoid letting these words take root…

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The Benefits of Power Napping at Your Day Job

What if I told you taking power naps could actually make you happier? I can imagine you wouldn’t need any more convincing to hit snooze the next chance you get. Studies show that 66% of short nappers and 56% of longer nappers report feeling happier and more energetic during their long workdays. Yet, most workplaces haven’t discovered the positive impact power napping has on moods, productivity, and a handful of other health benefits. Hitting snoozed once your 3 pm slump hits is still frowned upon in the workplace, making most reach for their 3rd cup of coffee instead. Sleeping is commonly known to happen in the comfort of your own home, all snuggled up in your bed, which makes sense as your home is the place you go to relax and recharge. How Counting Sheep on the Clock Can Improve Your Work Performance Call it what you want, but having a little mid-day power nap siesta actually holds profound benefits for your overall mood and well-being.   Typically, power naps range from 10 to 20 minutes long, and it is meant to revitalize you more than a cup of coffee. Research show this length of time is the sweet spot…

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How to Take Risks Like a Stunt Driver

How to Take Risks Like a Stunt Driver If your dreams don’t scare you, are you sure they’re big enough? It’s easy to fall into complacency, especially when life is so busy most of the time, but setting goals can help you stay on track and grow as a person. Sometimes our goals and dreams seem risky — whether it’s a fear of failure, getting hurt, or losing something. However, passing up every opportunity to grow means you may miss out.   Taking risks sometimes gets confused with being reckless, but that’s not the case. There are small risks you can take each day to grow as a person. It may be reaching out to someone new and inviting them out to dinner or as small as trying out a new restaurant out of your normal routine. Larger risks may be making a move to a new city or completely changing your career path. Something all of these risks have in common is uncertainty and an opportunity for growth.   For a fun spin on risk-taking, we can look to some of the most daredevil professionals out there: stunt drivers. These risk-taking lessons from stunt drivers show us that there…

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15 Ways to Make Saving Money Fun

15 Easy Ways to Make Saving Money Fun Matt Zdun We all know that saving money is important for our future wellbeing. But, at the same time, it can be pretty difficult and not always the most fun thing to do. In some cases, just thinking about saving money can bring you down. Studies show that a large chunk of adults — 85% — feel stressed about money from time to time, and a sizeable 30% of adults are constantly stressed about money. It’s not hard to see why this is the case when you consider the fact that almost half of adults don’t have emergency savings set aside for unexpected life events, like the loss of a job or the illness of a loved one. If you have struggled with saving money and find the whole process difficult or not enjoyable, you’re not alone. But the good news is that there are plenty of resources that bloggers, authors, and app developers have given us to spice up the process of saving money. Credit.com has compiled a roundup of tips and tricks to make saving money fun and keep you in high spirits in the process. Check it out: Please…

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The Benefits of Mindful Meditation

The Benefits of Mindful Meditation Krista Harper   Meditation has been around for thousands of years. Initially, the practice was linked with certain spiritual aspects of some religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. It was used as a technique to help people achieve a higher plane of discipline in the said religion. It has evolved over time, however, with much of today’s discussion about meditation focusing on its benefits upon the wellness of the body and mind. Men and women of science have come out to show the positive changes that the body and mind can undergo as a result of consistent and mindful meditation. What is Mindful Meditation? Although there are many different meditation techniques, mindful meditation is one of the best and most effective. The trick here is to focus your mind on your very own experiences and make the conscious decision to focus upon your sensations, emotions, and thoughts in the present. Here the person meditating must be aware of their body and mind, practice breathing techniques for focus, mental imagery and muscle relaxation. When you focus on your experiences, a lot of things that were shrouded before suddenly become very clear.   Benefits of Mindful Meditation…

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