The Six Best All-Natural Cleaners for Your House

If you haven’t been using them yet, it’s time to switch to all natural cleaners for your home!

It doesn’t take long for a house to get dirty especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Keeping these areas looking spotless requires a lot of cleaning – which can mean a lot of exposure to chemicals.

If you use harsh store-bought cleaners to keep your house in sparkling shape, you might be exposing yourself to toxic ingredients that can burn your skin if you touch them or damage your nervous system if you inhale them. Products like this can be dangerous to keep around if you have kids or pets at home, and if they get into the water system, they can be destructive to the environment.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your house squeaky clean without resorting to using harmful chemical cocktails. Protect yourself, your family, and the environment by using these six all natural cleaners instead.

White vinegar

white-vinegar

White vinegar is one of the best all natural cleaners you can use. It’s slightly acidic, which makes it great for killing bacteria and fungi, and it can be used on almost any surface – countertops, floors (even hardwood floors!), microwaves, showers, and ovens. Just don’t use it on granite or marble, since the acid in the vinegar can wear away at the rock.

To make your own all-purpose vinegar cleaner, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent if you like.

Hydrogen peroxide

hydrogen-peroxide

You’ve probably used hydrogen peroxide on cuts and scrapes before but its foamy bubbles are just as effective at disinfecting surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom. Sterilize your sponges and dish cloths by soaking them in hydrogen peroxide, and use it to wipe down your countertops, cutting boards, and the inside of your refrigerator. You can also spritz it on your shower curtain to keep mold and mildew at bay.

Make sure to keep hydrogen peroxide in an opaque spray bottle, since it loses its effectiveness if it’s exposed to light.

Lemon juice

lemon-juice

You might love the smell of lemons, but did you know they’re a very effective cleaning agent too? Lemons are great at disinfecting surfaces due to their mild acidity, and their juice can also remove stains from kitchen surfaces like food containers, microwaves, and cutting boards.

Use lemon in the bathroom too – lemon juice removes lime scale from metal fixtures, and it makes a great glass cleaner when mixed with rubbing alcohol (use a ratio of ½ cup alcohol to 3 tablespoons lemon juice). You can even make your own lemon furniture polish by combining ½ cup of whatever oil you have on hand with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

See Also: 10 Super Creative Uses for Everyday Things That You Already Have

Baking soda

baking soda natural cleanser

Baking soda isn’t just for baking – it’s also useful for cleaning your house. Baking soda does double duty as a natural deodorizer and a gentle abrasive that’s great for scrubbing away stains and grime, making it one of the all natural cleaners you should keep on hand all the time.

Put a box in your fridge to absorb food odors or sprinkle it inside Tupperware to banish lingering odors from strong-smelling leftovers. If your pots and pans are crusted with tough cooked-on food, soak them with a mixture of water and baking soda overnight – the residue will scrub right off in the morning.

You can also mix 2 cups of water, 2 cups of vinegar and 04 spoons of baking soda to clean stains of your bamboo pillow. You can even use baking soda to clean out your oven.

Tea tree oil

tea-tree-oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful disinfectant, making it ideal for use as a household cleaner. Be careful with this stuff, though – although it’s all-natural, tea tree oil is very strong and needs to be diluted with at least 10 parts water to 1 part oil to be safe for household use.

Make a simple disinfecting spray by mixing 2 cups of water with 10 drops of tea tree oil, or add it to a mixture of vinegar and water for an extra-strength cleaner.

Tea tree oil’s powerful antibiotic properties also make it a good toilet cleaner. Put ½ cup baking soda and 10 drops of tea tree oil in the toilet bowl, then add a splash of vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush.

Salt

salt natural cleanser

Add salt to your list of kitchen surface scrubbers – it kills germs and lifts tough stains. Salt is an ideal cleaner for cast iron pots and pans, and it’s great for soaking up grease and oil spills.

If you need a quick all-purpose metal cleaner, a combination of salt and lemon juice will do the trick. It’s good for drains, too. Pouring a mixture of salt and hot water down your drains periodically will help keep them clear.

See Also: Five Tough Spring Cleaning Projects and How to Tackle Them

It’s not hard to make your own all natural cleaners for your house – in fact, you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. By switching to non-toxic, natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon, and tea tree oil, you’ll keep your house germ-free and smelling fresh, and you’ll be able to feel good about protecting your family and the environment from the toxins in commercial cleaners.

 

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5 Ways Mindfulness Can Create Peace and Positive Change

With this being a time of ever increasing change in our world, from governments and politics to climate change and human rights, many people seek to fight for one cause or another.  In truth, “fighting” for anything comes from a more negative energy space that aligns with anger, fear, judgment, frustration or irritation; taking the cause of choice further away from positive change, instead of in the direction of it.  When that negative energy is amplified by the masses, chaos can ensue and people begin to turn away because the negative energy drags them down; the cause gets lost in the shuffle as a result.

Taking a more enlightened perspective can make it possible to be engaged and advocate without being dragged down by or engaging with negativity.  A mindful approach that is centered on discernment and not judgement, understanding and not demeaning, kindness and not hate, action oriented and not reactive; is possible with a practice of mindfulness.  No matter what is occurring in our world, maintaining your own peaceful state makes the biggest impact for positive change.

mindfulness_ginaIt is absolutely possible to create change in our world, but the ballot box and protest march will never be as powerful as your own vibration, actions and words.  Many people are passionate about a candidate or cause that advocates for a desired change.  Whatever the issues, our passion can be an incredible motivator and communicator; but when that passion turns from heartfelt, positive enthusiasm to sarcasm, frustration, resentment or anger; you go from advocating for change to complaining about it.  That energy only creates a negative force instead of a positive paradigm; making the very change you seek slip further and further away.

Mindfulness is understanding that true change and peace are not about any outward manifestations in our world; they can only come from within.  Life is absolutely what you make it despite any external circumstances; so in truth there are in no injustices, but rather lessons that individuals need to learn or teach on their path (no matter how difficult they are for us to comprehend). Our reactions are what create the problems and take us away from the source of peace that we each truly are.  Much of the media, some corporations and many political systems are in the business of fear mongering; they must make us sick so we need them to get better.  Deciding to shift your focus from complaint and argument to restraint and understanding is mindfulness.

If you desire change of some sort, it will not solely come from any vote you cast; there must be action and it must be a complete reflection of that desired change.  For instance, if you desire peace on Earth; choose to conduct yourself in a peaceful manner and lead by example to strive to bring calm wherever you go and to live peacefully (ahimsa).  Or, if you want to promote honesty in business, conduct yourself in that manner by avoiding corruption and insincerity.  To fight for peace and protest corruption only makes the focus the very things you to change.  To mindfully advocate for change, it must first come from within and you simply must live it and spread it wherever you go; making yourself a walking and talking example of it and focusing your time and energy on it to create more and more of it (it’s truly a ripple effect).

Here are 5 ways mindfulness can create peace and positive change:

1. Energy mindfulness:

ENERGY IS EVERYTHING!  The Law of Attraction doesn’t judge, it is constantly working for each and every person all the time.  What we focus our time and energy on individually matters; you can only control your part in the bigger picture of the world.  Being mindful of your energy is vital in creating what you desire, no matter the circumstance.  World peace is created one person at a time, it starts with your own individual state of peace that must come from within.  Create practices that help you be more peaceful and you become an example for it, inspiring others to do the same.  Being angry, irritated, sad, judgmental or unkind, even if it is justified, takes you in the opposite direction.

2. Action mindfulness:

The way you behave and treat others matters.  Kindness matters.  Action mindfulness is how we lead by example and be the change.  By embodying your beliefs, you show people the way and create more of it.  You cannot on the one hand speak against discrimination and unfairness and than turn around and make assumptions about people; categorizing them by superficial and stereotypical speculations.  Act with discernment, not judgment.

3. Discernment mindfulness:

Discernment is about making choices that align with positive, heart-centered beliefs and feelings.  It is not about judging other people for how they choose to live, or even what they believe.  We can never truly understand the path (or history) of another and what creates their beliefs, we can only control our reactions and our choices.  When you react negatively to the toxic or hurtful behavior of others, you add more negative energy into the world.    Use discernment mindfulness to focus on aligning with your positive beliefs, without engaging in low vibrating energy by reacting with negativity.

4. Understanding mindfulness:

Understanding is defined as a state of cooperative or mutually tolerant relations between people.  The truth is, we do not have to agree to be kind or to be understanding or to simply accept that the beliefs of others do not have to affect our purpose (unless we choose to let them).  Anger will never bring about positive change, because in anger we become part of the problem and move further away from being part of the solution or leading others.  Understanding is about behaving in alignment with your beliefs while mindfully advocating for them.

5. Mindful advocation:

Our world is currently filled with many frustrated people over government, corporations, treatment of our planet and the sheer inhumanity that can exist.  Many see their role as being an agent for change by criticizing what they do not like or want; taking it to the streets, asking for laws to ensure things change or organizing ways to harm those they view as the cause of injustice.  While some of these methods might bring about a temporary fix, lasting results of a desired outcome are better in the form of the change you seek.  Gandhi did not say we should talk, yell, argue or force the change we want to see in the world; he said to BE THE CHANGE.  Anything other than that simply perpetuates that for which you supposedly fight against.  Fighting is a negative force, it never leads to positivity (and certainly not to peace).  Be mindful in your advocation.  Seek not to convert nor condemn; rather merely to convey by being the example of what you desire in the world.  As more and more and more of us turn inward for peace and express it outward with our actions, words and deeds, we will be able to have truly lasting transformation.  That is the kind of change that can shift souls and create an awakening.  Anything else is divisiveness in disguise; no matter how right or just the cause may seem.

If you seek to promote positive change of any kind; your must first seek it within and then extend it without.  The world becomes a better place every time one person decides to become a better version of his or her self; sharing that goodness with others without forcing opinions or passing judgment for not being or thinking the same.  We are truly one, each connected; do you want to be connected to anger or peace?  Once you are the reflection of your desires, you can only be surrounded by them; that is how mindfulness changes the world, one person at a time, with a powerful ripple effect of love and peace.

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10 Wonderful Benefits of Traveling

There are plenty of things one can gain from exploring different places such as new friends, new experiences and new stories. When you start exploring new places, you get a better understanding of the people living there including their culture, history and background.

Studies show that travelling can improve your overall health and enhance your creativity. Therefore, you need to take time out from your daily tasks, office responsibilities, hectic schedule and everyday pressures at least once in a year. Plan a tour to a new city with an open schedule and let life present you with the numerous opportunities that are waiting for you.

If you need more convincing, here is a list of all the benefits of traveling.

1. Improves Social and Communication Skills

traveling-broaden-horizons

One of the main benefits of travelling, especially to areas where your native language is not widely used, is that you learn how to communicate with all manner of different people. It could be communicating to find the way to your next destination or asking for the nearest restaurant.

2. Ensures Peace of Mind

We all have stress and tension in our lives. Traveling makes us temporarily disconnect with our normal routine and it helps us appreciate the people and things you have around. As per a famous saying “we never know what we have until we lose it.”

3. Helps you Get Original and Creative Thoughts

It is believed that if someone gets out of their comfort zone, the mind gets more creative. To develop new neural connections that trigger original and creative thoughts, you must explore new places and break out of your daily lifestyles.

4. Broadens Your Horizons

Travelling helps you connect with different people from different cultures, and this is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Meeting people from different cultures and societies will help you see issues and daily life from many different angles.

See Also: Strange International Laws Every Tourist Should Know

5. Enhances your Tolerance for Uncertainty

While travelling, you will find yourself stuck in situations where things don’t always go as planned. Such situations will help you learn to cope with the uncertainties in life.

6. Boosts Up your Confidence:

Being in a place where you do not know anyone will assist you to gain confidence and presence of mind. You will develop the ability to cope with obstacles, which will make you a confident person and help you grow as a person.

7. Gets you Real-life Education

Meeting different people from vast cultures and societies provides an education that is impossible to get in a traditional school, college or a university. There is no substitute for the real thing.

8. Creates Memories for Lifetime

making-memories

If you travel with friends and family members, helps you build stronger bonds and make memories. You can also save memories of a lifetime by creating photo albums or sharing photos in social media.

See Also: 5 Steps To Reinvent Your Life By Traveling

9. Helps you Have Fun

No matter how young or old you are, no matter your profession, there is always a time when the child in you wants to have some fun. When you travel, you do not care what you do at all and you can just break free from the norm.

10. Aids you Get to Know Yourself

During travelling, you might find yourself stuck in situations you would not ordinary experience in your daily life. Such a situation can help you understand yourself and how you react to such circumstances and prepare you for future similar situations.

Although travelling offers many benefits, it also has some disadvantages if not planned everything carefully. If you are a patient and taking medication for a disease, do not forget to carry your medication. Keeping jet lag pills handy saves you from unnecessary travelling harassment.

Those susceptible to allergy should carry allergy medication. Plan your tour in advance, prepare a checklist to keep yourself healthy while travelling and pack important items before you travel

Travelling is good for the health so decide a place now and pack your bags. Remember, you only live once, so start travelling to different places and get some life-altering experiences.

 

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7 Tips on How to Improve a Child’s Working Memory

Sometimes, a child will have a hard time keeping a single bit of information in their mind while they are doing something else. If this is the case, they could have issues with their working memory.

Working memory refers to the use of information stored in one’s short term memory. It is an important skill that kids use when they are learning and is vital for following directions with multiple steps.

These are some things that you can do in order to help improve your child’s working memory.

1. Encourage Reading

active-reading

When a child takes part in active reading strategies, they are likelier to have an easier time forming long term memories. Active reading strategies include not only taking notes and highlighting like most students do, but also speaking aloud and answering questions about the material that they are reading.

2. Visualization Skills

When the child is reading something, have them pause and ask them to imagine the scene in their head and describe it to you.

As an example, ask them to set the table for a few people and ask them to picture it in their head. Have them draw this, and then describe it. As time goes on, they will be able to describe a scene without drawing it.

3. Memory-Boosting Foods

Healthy fats, like those in fish, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods help improve memory for both short term and long term future.

One serving of fish per week has the ability to reduce a decline in memory by about 12%. The ideal serving is 3 ounces of fatty fish one time per week, at least. If fish is not an option, you may consider the pill form instead.

See Also: 7 Great Foods to Boost Your Brain Power 

4. Ask Them to Teach You

Teaching another person involves being able to make sense of information and then mentally organizing it, before being able to say it aloud.

When your child is learning a new skill, ask them to show you how to do it. They should be able to explain the process to you.

5. Play Games Using their Visual Memory

There are a ton of matching games that can be played, or you can use something simple like a magazine or newspaper. Have them circle a certain word as many times as they can in one minute. Reading billboards on the highway and license plates on cars is always fun.

6. Break Information Up into Smaller Blocks

children-doing-their-homework

It is a known fact that information is easily remembered when it is broken up into parts, like phone numbers and social security numbers. When a child needs to be given directions, either write them out or give them one at a time. Writing assignments can be given using a graphic organizer so that the child will be able to remember what is going to be asked of them.

7. Play Cards

When playing card games like Uno, Go Fish, or Crazy Eights, the child will have to not only remember the rules of the game, but will also need to remember which cards they are holding and what the other players could have. Have them help shuffle and deal the cards as well, and eventually they will be able to explain the rules and start a game all on their own.

See Also: 10 Tips to Develop Both Sides of Your Brain

Our working memory is what is used when you solve a math problem in your head, or successfully follow directions with multiple steps. If you believe your child is having problems with their working memory, it is never too late to begin implementing these suggestions that are great for the whole family.

 

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7 Habits of People with Highly Positive Attitudes

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Listen to any motivational speaker and they will emphasize the importance of having a positive attitude.  The same goes for any successful person who has shared publicly the attributes that have led to their success.  While some may believe that a positive attitude is something we either have or not we are always in control of our thinking and feelings and therefore capable of changing our attitudes at any time. All that we need is the desire to change, the knowledge of what we need to do to change and the willingness to do the work that is required to make that change.

Here are 7 Habits of people who have developed highly positive attitudes.

stay_positive_and_happyDeveloped their emotional intelligence

Realizing that their emotions are what motivate and drive them, positive people have learned how to manage their emotions.  We all experience ups and downs regularly in our lives. Frustration, disappointment, fear, sadness and anger are feelings that are part of being human.  While experiencing these feelings like everyone else, positive people don’t let themselves become overwhelmed by negative feelings. Instead they manage them and continue on with their lives, realizing that everything passes with time. They also don’t make decisions when feeling strong emotions but wait until they are able to think rationally and are on an even keel.  They force themselves to keep moving and take on tasks even when they don’t feel like doing so, realizing that once they get moving their feelings and attitude will improve.  They are aware that beginnings are often difficult but things will improve once they get further along and they will feel a sense of accomplishment for having overcome their initial resistance and carried on.

Believe in themselves and their abilities

While having experienced failures like everyone else, positive people know that to be successful we need to take risks and push their boundaries.  They approach new challenges with the belief that they will either be successful or take away lessons from the experience that will lead them to be successful in the future.

Continuously set goals

Positive people feel the need to accomplish and are constantly striving to reach new goals that they have set. They use goals to mark their progress and as a way of motivating them to stay on target. Goal setting is a way of life and once they have reached one goal they set another one.  Having something to constantly strive for adds substance and meaning to their lives. While they are happy and grateful for what they have, they are never satisfied, always striving to learn, grow and accomplish more.  They are curious and always looking for new ways to push their barriers and strive to reach their potential.

Have developed an attitude of gratitude

While they are always looking for challenges, positive people are grateful for what they have.  They look for ways to thank those who have helped them along the way and are careful to give credit where it is due.  Regardless of their circumstances or the conditions of their upbringing they are very aware of and thankful for the gifts that have been bestowed upon them.  They realize that being happy with where they are will help them achieve more in their lives.

Always look for the good in all situations

Positive people are a pleasure to be around since they tend to bring the best to all situations that they are part of. They frequently use humor to brighten up and liven up events and look for the silver lining in everything that goes wrong.  Instead of looking to blame they look for solutions and lessons that can be gleaned from every situation and event that has not gone well.

Surround themselves with positive people

Misery loves company and miserable people will quickly realize that they will not get any support or encouragement from those who are positive.  Positive people also love company, but in the form of other positive people.  Their demeanor and energy that they emit tends to attract other positive people to them.  Surrounded by other people similar to them has the benefit of helping them stay on the bright side and even increase it.

Continuously learning from successful people

Whether attending lectures, reading an autobiography of a successful person or listening to a motivational recording while driving, positive people are on a life long journey of continuous improvement.  They frequently have mentors and are always seeking to learn from those who they consider to have been successful in the area of their lives that they have a strong interest in.  Highly passionate, they are constantly asking questions and looking for ways to learn and improve themselves.  They are the people that it feels good to be around as they show an interest in our lives and are always asking us questions about ourselves.

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5 Reasons Why the World Needs More Naturopathic Physicians

If you’ve never seen naturopathic physicians before, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed and even intimidated by the experience. They offer a different kind of treatment approach compared to what you’ve been used to. They can even let you see your health and its importance in a different light.

However, although they treat their patients in a different way, it doesn’t mean that they are less effective. They are as good, or even better, than your conventional medical doctors.

In case you’re wondering why, here are some of the best reasons why we should have more of them.

1. They allow people to be more proactive about their health

doctor-and-patients

Conventional medical practitioners can tell you what you need to do to be healthy, like quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising. They can also give you a long list of what you need to avoid in order to become healthy.

Unfortunately, these things are easier said than done. People experience a lot of obstacles when it comes to changing their lifestyles which greatly affect their capability to comply with their treatment.

This is exactly where naturopathic physicians are great at. They have the right training for lifestyle counseling to help their patients make adjustments that will work for them. They ask their patients’ concerns and customize an approach to overcome the said concerns.

2. They break down vague symptoms

Most physicians treat medical conditions based on the cluster of symptoms they present. This means that they are likely to use the same treatment plan for all their patients who exhibit the same symptoms.

Although the approach works on some people, there are patients who end up experiencing prolonged discomfort and treatment time because the root problem is not addressed properly. Naturopathic doctors go beyond lab results. They aim for specific assessment tools, such as food sensitivity tests, to figure out exactly what’s wrong with their clients.

3. They are focused on prevention

As the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. Naturopathic doctors educate their patients about the how they can properly take care of their health. Because they encourage preventive measures, their patients end up saving a lot of money from medicines they don’t really need or procedures they won’t really benefit from.

These doctors are also a great resource when it comes supplements and vitamins. They can help people discern what products can really help them and which ones won’t. Since there are a lot of tempting products that stem from false advertising, it’s a good idea to find someone in the ‘Web’ whom you can trust.

See Also: 10 Habits That Can Prevent Heart Disease 

4. They promote non-invasive treatments

non-invasive-treatment

Instead of relying on drastic medical procedures to cure their patients’ medical concerns, they create customized plans that include nutritional coaching, counseling as well as acupuncture. Since their treatment plans aren’t invasive, they aren’t as risky and pose minimal to no threat to their patients.

5. They encourage therapeutic relationships

When you are comfortable with your health provider, you’ll find it easy to ask questions and raise concerns. Aside from this, having a good and trusting relationship with your naturopathic doctor can also encourage you to take more control of your health. He can act as a support system and resource person so that you can feel empowered about changing your lifestyle and habits.

Naturopathic doctors can also help you build a relationship with your own health. They can make you be more aware of what’s happening in your body. They teach you how to watch out for and even listen to it so that both of you can work on your health and wellness.

 

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22 Winning Ways That Will Make You A Stronger Person

Everybody wants to be strong, powerful, and invincible. This applies to one’s personal life, family, and career. Who wouldn’t want to become such a person?

Here’s a list of fun and surprising ways to help you achieve all that. I hope this list helps you to become truly strong within and without.

1. Stop caring what people think

Caring about others’ opinions is one of the biggest obstacles to success. No matter how confident you think you are, if you have a fear of people’s thoughts, you won’t go that far.

To feel strong, you need to stop worrying about whatever it is that people think of you. They will have their thoughts either way. It’s up to you to either get affected by them or not.

2. Never miss an opportunity

Be cautious and focused. Never let yourself miss an opportunity even if you don’t feel ready. You may never feel ready so don’t let yourself pass up any opportunity. The outcome will be you feeling good about yourself and never having regrets that held you back.

When it comes to these golden chances, you can’t just sit and wait for them to show up magically. You need to take some action and create them.

3. Find time to workout

workout

Yes, working out is not just going to make you physically feel strong, but it can also improve your mental health. Don’t be lazy. Workout regularly. Invest in your body, in your strength and most importantly, boost your confidence.

4. Follow your dreams, not others’ dreams for you

If you listen to what other people think you should do because it’s the best option in their point of perspective, it does not mean it’s the best one for you. Focus on your dreams, and on the things you want to do. The only way for you to succeed and feel powerful is if you do what you love.

See Also: 16 Excuses that Prevent You from Going After Your Dreams

5. Learn from your mistakes

We all make mistakes but there are two kinds of people in the face of their failures. The first is the person who feels hopeless and gives up. The second is the person who tries over and over despite what everyone says until this person finally achieves success.

Which person will you be?

Take the failure as an opportunity and an experience you can learn from, even be thankful, rise and move on. Don’t let it get the best of you.

If you manage to think of your failures as an experience, not setbacks, you will feel strong and unstoppable.

6. Start meditating

Meditation is perfect for you because at the end of the day, you need some quiet time to relax and be able to process your day and your thoughts. Meditation will not only improve your mental strength, but throughout the day, you will feel a lot more focused and in control of your mind and thoughts.

If you start meditating, you will stop worrying too much and not waste energy on unimportant things.

7. Stick to the goals you set for yourself

Never lose sight of your goals. Always have the big picture in mind. You will feel even better during your struggle when you see results starting to show.

Forget about doubts and fear. Find your purpose and your ultimate goal, and strive for it.

See Also: 4 Sure-Fire Ways to Motivate Yourself to Reach Your Goals

8. Improve your body and verbal language

Start caring about your appearance. Try to work on your posture, and the way you walk, stand and sit. Care about the way you talk and interact with people. Try to give the best of you.

It may be hard to believe, but body and verbal language have a significant impact on other people and how they see you. There is no doubt that improving your verbal and body language will also make you feel confident about yourself.

9. Pack your bags and go travel!

travel

Start perceiving the world as your book. Would you want to stick to one page? Of course not. You need to travel. Not only to enjoy, but also learn and see many amazing places.

Gain some experience, meet new people, and acquire new ways of thinking. It will make you proud in the long run because eventually as you get older, you will be left with all these unforgettable memories.

10. Stop watching TV and playing games

How can virtual games even make you feel strong? They can’t. You need to stop wasting your time doing things that don’t improve you. You are just wasting your life on something that is not even real.

There are oh so many things to do with that time. Go workout, travel, start a new hobby, learn coding, whatever. Be productive, not lazy.

11. Invest in your wardrobe

There is nothing a brand new, tailored suit can’t fix. You need to dress smart and look sharp. And it’s not just about the way you will look. But, you will feel strong and be more confident if you dressed up to your potential.

12. Get a new haircut

Believe that getting a new haircut, and doing it more often, can affect the way you feel. People will see you as someone who cares about his image. And change cannot hurt you, but only improve you.

13. Lead a healthy lifestyle

Start to eat and drink right. Not just for your overall health, but eating healthy can also improve your performance.

You will be more energized, concentrated and focused. Feeling strong and in shape will put you in a much better mood. Trust this.

14. Work your optimum

Give 100% of yourself in everything you do. Work your ass off. The results will be inevitable, and they will make you proud. They can motivate you to push yourself even more and more.

15. Listen music

But not just any kind of music. Listen to motivational music. It will keep you psyched, pumped and make you feel ready for whatever is that you are doing. It will make you feel unstoppable. Do it while working, exercising, and traveling. Feel the difference.

16. Do new things every day

Don’t waste your day by doing nothing. Use the free time you have to try some new stuff no matter what it is. It doesn’t have to be something huge or too important. It is a way to reduce the risk of being lazy and waste the time you can’t take back.

17. Wake up early

wake-up-early

We know it can be hard sometimes, but why oversleep? Wake up early and seize the days. If not anything else, you will for sure get an extra couple of hours to prepare for the day and organize your day.

18. Get your adrenaline high

A dose of adrenaline can never hurt. Adrenaline is amazing and getting a thrill once in a while can make you feel strong and energized.

It is a great opportunity also to face your fears. You will end up feeling more energetic than ever. So, our advice is for you to face your fears and get a rush of adrenaline.

19. Train yourself to observe

Observation is a crucial skill if you want to succeed in whatever. You need to learn it. Observation has mental power. Not just because you see everything around you, but you see the actual truth, and you see things for what they are.

20. Don’t be afraid of embarrassment

Embarrassment is an obstacle. Being embarrassed makes you feel uncomfortable and act like you normally wouldn’t.

It also affects your interaction with people and keeps you from trying new things. To feel strong, you need to stop fearing embarrassment and embrace it.

21. Make sure to have the last laugh

The fact that there are people in the world who are not at all ambitious and have boundaries is true. Not only do they not have any dreams of their own, but they laugh at others’ dreams also.

You shouldn’t listen to anyone laughing or making fun of you while you are trying to do the impossible. These people don’t have any mental drive or imagination and creativity whatsoever.

Don’t by any means let them get to you. Stick to your plan, and later prove them wrong. Let them laugh at you now, but keep the last laugh for yourself.

22. Show appreciation for your loved ones

Never take for granted someone’s love for you. Having the honor to be loved is a unique thing. Express your love and deep appreciation for the ones who are beside you and believe in you. You don’t know for how long they will stay.

Being loved can make you feel strong. So take love, and give love.

 

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7 Tendencies Of Narrow Minded People

We all try to be the best person we can be, and although some of us know that we have some bad habits, we ultimately never want to be accused of being narrow minded or ignorant. We should try to be as open to ideas and possibilities as we can – after all, that is how science, math, religion and policy developed to create the world that we have today. The goal of humanity is to learn, share and dream together so that we can learn as much as we can and develop to be as strong as we can.

Unfortunately, racism, phobias, and narrow mindedness persists. Here are a few traits of narrow minded people, and how you can avoid those kinds of habits yourself.

narrow_minded1. The “know it all”

This is the kind of person we have all had in our life sometimes, and try not to become ourselves. The know it all; he or she is first person who speaks up, and knows the answer to everything, regardless of what you tell them.

A video of a comic news reporter went viral recently when he went to a political rally and spoke to people about the current President, asking the uninformed public generic questions and receiving laughable responses. One lady was not shy to accuse the President of many things – terrorism, lying, being of a different religion than he claims, and other such offenses that beg research. She could not be swayed by any other opinion – her mind was made up.

These kinds of people elicit a negative reaction in us because as human beings we like to learn and debate. We don’t mind being proven wrong if we can learn something new, and we are open to new perspectives. The know it all is not interested in learning anything new – they have already learned everything there is, and are not shy to tell you about it.

2. Easy to pass judgement

People with a closed mind are not afraid to point fingers and judge everyone around them in public. I think we all do this to some degree but the catch is that we know when we are doing it, know when we are serious or joking, and know when to stop. Narrow minded people judge others with serious intent, without knowing anything about them. They don’t mind assuming that guys with dreadlocks are poor hippies, that people with tattoos have impure lifestyle choices, or any other sort of stereotype that could be done.

We have to avoid stereotypes and judgements and see the forest for the trees. That we all have a backstory, regardless of how we look or choose to do. Ask, and who knows what you may learn.

3. Deeply habitual

There is nothing wrong with being a creature of habit – in fact, it’s healthy for you to develop a routine that you enjoy and apply it to your life. The danger comes when the habits are bad for you mentally or physically. This could be a subconscious addiction to your phone, or develop into a fear of traveling or leaving the house – things like that. If you become too attached to your routine, you will be unable to escape your comfort zone, and run the risk of becoming, perhaps, a crazy cat lady. We should enjoy our habits but not let it control our lives.

4. Tendency to assume everything

Narrow minded people are ok with assuming pretty much anything. Stereotypes, tastes, judgements, concepts or ideas – nothing is immune. These are situations when people refuse the opposite; they are convinced that they do not like red wine, that they will be uncomfortable flying, that they do not like pumpkin pie – all silly examples, but examples nonetheless that lead to narrow minded behaviour and do not let you reach outside your bounds of life that you’ve already made for yourself.

5. Get offended easily

Some people have very rigid values, others not so much. Older generations for example are strongly tied into the ideas that they had when they were growing up during the 40s, 50s and 60s, when social and civil rights were a few steps behind where we are at now. People who stay in their bubble are only exposed to those ideas that they have always had, and are prone to become easily offended by outside tastes and perspectives. The idea is that we should never be afraid or shy to learn about how other people do things. The more we attach ourselves to our predisposed beliefs, the more we distance ourselves from other ideas that we could be learning from.

6. Xenophobia

Likewise, these people may be the same people who carry fear – fear of age, race, religion, etc. Xenophobia is the fear of strange things, but relates to anything – homophobia or racism applies. These are the kinds of people that may be strongly opposed to immigration or international aid; people who fear muslims; people who fear refugees. Whether it is a good or bad idea when our countries accept refugees is one thing, but to fear and criticize it is another, usually when the course of it generally does not affect most of our personal lives at all. This is fear, this is xenophobia.

7. Having trust issues

With all this rooting that narrow mindedness bestows, it makes sense then that those with a closed mind have trust issues. They may not trust the baker because he is Indian, or the product, because it is from Vietnam. Perhaps there is a tactile reason for those examples, but the psyche roots deeper into our head and we begin to be unable to trust things we normally might trust, affecting our friends and family in the process. Instead, we want to be able to love and trust as much as we can, and hope that others love and trust us as well.

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The Roles of Female Enterpreneurs in a Growing Society

The growing trend of female enterpreneurs is happening all over the globe. In the last decade, we have noted numerous faces who have created benchmarks for the rest of society.

Some famous names in women tech startups include:

1- Amy Baxter
2- Adi Tatarko
3- Kathryn Minshew, Alexandra Cavoulacos, and MelissaMcCreery
4- Clara Shih
5- Desiree Vargas Wrigley
6- Halle Tecco

And the list doesn’t seem to come to an end.

These women tech entrepreneurs not only paved new roads, but their startups have inspired and motivated many other aspiring women and people around them to pursue careers of their choice.

According to figures shared by Forbes, approximately ten and a half million women in America run their own business. The report further shared that they add around 3 trillion dollars to the economy, giving jobs to approximately twenty-three million people.

And it’s not just the economy benefitting from their hard work and subsequent achievements. Let us have a look at a few points which discuss the challenges female enterpreneurs face, and how they become silent motivators in the process.

1- Changemaker

A women as an entrepreneur brings a change in her family and the society. Her endeavors inspire others around her to take the initial step, breaking the taboo that dictates entrepreneurship as a masculine activity.

Also, a major portion of their earnings find their way back in the economy in the form of nutrition, health, and education. This is especially true for a woman who likes to spend a major portion of time into human resources.

2- Inspiration

When a female entrepreneur begins her journey, she has to experience many hurdles. These hurdles eventually prevent many to even try working in their expertise field.

However, those who succeed subsequently manage to overcome this masculine dominated business world (perception) and thus become a source of inspiration for many around. Additionally, the ability to balance work and family life brings women far ahead of male entrepreneurs.

3- Realizing expertise

Most of you might agree that a woman has been handling the domestic finance sector since a long time ago. This directly implies they are better in managing things in comparison to men; especially monetary ones. With someone taking the initiative, other women around realize their potential, thereby giving them life wings to fly.

See Also: 8 Reasons Why Women Are Better Than Men at Business

4- Crossing hurdles

A report shares that businesswomen begin their startup with only half the capital of male entrepreneurs. In addition, they only have a third of a probability of accessing equity financing through Venture capital or Angel investments.

Knowing this, we can regard successful women enterpreneurs with even more respect as they are able to breach these obstacles and achieve success regardless.

See Also: 5 Women Entrepreneurs Who Failed Before Becoming Millionaires

5- Lack of mentors

Irrespective of what you do and the stream you belong to, you always need someone to guide you or to bring out the best in you. However, it has been observed that women entrepreneurs face a distinct lack of mentorship.

female businesses

Because of this lack, female enterpreneurs find different avenues to learn. An extra mile to travel, they have to learn and execute numerous actions and steps on their own as they build their businesses. Mistakes, while very educational, are of course time-consuming and delays expected output.

6- Support Network

In one of its reports, INC shares that 48% of female entrepreneurs lack network availability to support. Despite a massive increase in women enterpreneurs recently, to an extent, the field is still ruled by the big boys.

coffee-shop

Sadly, there are also still people who perceive technology and enterpreneurship as a male province. The same group of people eventually creates a scarcity of support network for a women tech entrepreneur. This results in a tough time for women trying to learn, understand and complete the whole business process.

Conclusion:

When a woman reaches the peak of tech entrepreneurship, she has undoubtedly traveled through a long road with many hurdles and obstacles. However, once she reaches the mark, she not only succeeds in achieving her goals but has paved a way for many others to give their expertise a try. She not only creates a business, but she molds her society and her family.

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How Being Lazy Can Be The Best Thing For You

The next time you’re feeling burned-out, overwhelmed or just ready to slack off, don’t be afraid to kiss it all goodbye.

Turns out, doing nothing is something intelligent people do all  the time.  So says a three-decades old research study from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Researchers determined in the experiment, via a series of tests ,whether a pool of candidates fell into either a cerebral or non-cerebral category.  They then monitored the activity of both groups of people for a full week.

lazyTheir findings, considered both robust and highly statistical, were published in The Journal of Health.  It showed the “thinking” group as far less active than the “non-thinking” group.  At the end of the experiment they concluded more intelligent people tend to be a little, well, lazier.

We’ve all heard the idiom ‘work smarter, not harder’.  This study proves factual evidence to back it up.  Others who have conducted similar studies liken this to the hamster wheel conundrum.

A hamster goes ‘round and ‘round, working harder and harder begetting the same results.  In this routine he gives himself, and his imagination, zero time to see the bigger picture.

Shut off your phone, shrug off the guilt.

The truth is, thinkers or non-thinkers, we all need step away from the hustle and bustle from time to time.  In fact, our bodies and minds crave it.

Exhausted, overworked, stressed out, just plain out of ideas?

These feelings are signaling our bodies; pleading with us to slow down.  Quite often, it’s only when the mental or physical strain becomes so great that we finally heed the warnings, and step away.

This study suggests that it is not only more beneficial for our productivity to steer clear of the breakdown, but literally the smarter choice.

The problem?  Sitting idle can be very, very difficult for most of us.

Most of us are firm believers in the philosophy that doing is equal to being productive, stepping away feels counterintuitive.  This idea has been cemented deeper in our minds, over the last 10 years, with smartphones barely allowing us a moment of downtime.

Are we accomplishing more by working harder?

If this study tells us something, the answer is no. Working all the time, in fact, can be in direct opposition to productivity.

We all have something called a Default Mode Network (DMN).  This mode is the state our brain goes into early in the morning, late at night or during the day, when you are focused on nothing in particular.

Essentially your DMN lights up when your activity slows down.

Researchers believe going into our DMN mode at intermittent times during the day increases our creativity, productivity, forms stronger memories and reenergizes our enthusiasm.

Our DMN also improves our sense of self. They found that after a moment of reprieve people actually feel more confident in their endeavors when they got back to them.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why the occasional day of doing nothing is not only good for your health, but good for your pursuits.

1. Napping for productivity

Resting, napping, or going out for a stroll in the middle of the day may seem odd to some.  Though, it is a method practiced by many great thinkers, including Albert Einstein, and Salvador Dali.

Dali practiced a method he called “slumber with key”.  Everyday, Dali would take a micro-nap while holding a key between his forefinger and thumb. Soon after falling asleep, the key would inevitably slip through his fingers to the floor, and he would wake up.  Thus accomplishing a micro-nap, which he relied upon to revitalize his mind.

2. Daydreaming for creativity

When you daydream, or even just let you mind wander, you brain enters into default mode as mentioned above.  This is the same mode you enter during meditation.  To ensure you get into this mode at least once a day you can schedule it through a morning meditation practice. When your mind is in this space you unconsciously form new connections, find solutions to problems, and new ideas come forth.

3. Laziness for ingenuity

Bill Gates was caught saying, ‘I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.’

Laziness is okay as long as you don’t let it hinder your progress.  When used in a proactive, creative way, laziness can be a virtue.  It allows you to find new, novel ways to solve a problem as opposed to following traditional methods.

Take a breather, turn off the news, let go of the worry and zone out.  Tomorrow is a new day!

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