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Science Explains How Spending Time In Nature Boosts Kindness And Generosity

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Science Explains How Spending Time In Nature Boosts Kindness And Generosity


According to research that has taken place in Japan, Finland and Texas, people who took walks or were shown images of nature were found to have a natural decline in heart rate. When stress becomes an overwhelming burden, it’s the exact opposite. If nature can reduce the stress levels riveting people’s lives, then generosity and kindness are bound to follow suit. When agitated, it can be difficult to take the time needed to make sure you are calm and collected. You might snap at your friend for something they said without even realizing it. Your nerve endings having taken the increased heart rate into a zone of animosity that can be quelled by visiting the wonders of the earth.
Participants in studies from the University of California have been done on kindness to see if kindness is more willing to be shown in nature. In economic games — The Trust Game and the Doctator Game — trust and generosity were measured. It was found that the people who viewed images of beautiful nature acted more trusting and kind than the people who were not shown them. In a separate study about kindness, individuals were asked to fill out emotional surveys while either sitting next to plants or not next to visually stunning plants. After the survey people were asked if they would volunteer making paper cranes, the researchers noted that the participants who sat next to the plants were more generous and willing to make more.
This type of research gives a small look at the many values that nature offers, and the best part is, it’s everywhere around us. Think back to the times when you were younger and running around during recess, the imagination as free and wild as can be. Think of the times of playing in the park and being free, meeting other kids who were willing to play games with you. There’s a natural kindness that seeps through us when we are just sitting in the presence of nature’s landscapes.
There’s a reason why people in cities are always viewed as standoffish. Everyone is walking around with massive buildings and through crowded streets. There’s trash laying dormant on the street, cars impatiently waiting for you to cross the sidewalk and a lack of the green embrace of the world. In my head I see cities textured in a gray fog. When I think of nature I see illustrious images with full colors and the world, instead of the man made towers that constrict and take away from that.
The researchers from California also made the observation that positive emotions come from being surrounded by nature, which begins to emanate from individuals as prosocial and kind behaviors. Maybe the next time you’re feeling caught under and ready to snap, think of taking a refreshing walk through nature. Let the air blow through your hair and instill the generosity in your soul.
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9:03 PM ,

4 Good Reasons Why Newlyweds Should Move

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4 Good Reasons Why Newlyweds Should Move



Quick Summary

1. Your parents will see you as independent.
2. You can begin your new life by making new friends together.
3. You can create boundaries for all parties involved.
4. You will have your own set standard way of doing things.
For newlyweds and those who are engaged, it will be to your advantage to look for your new place together — away from the comforts of either of your parents. Now, understandably, this may not be your first thought. However, it is well worth considering. Moving away from the parents can be a really good thing as you embark on the next phase of your life together.
The keyword here is together. You are about to begin a journey that will have many ups and downs, as you well know. This new chapter in your life’s book will have wonderful untold adventures — new job opportunities, new pets, new friends, maybe even children. Your new journey needs to really focus on your new family — the two of you (or, if either of you already have children, all of you). Not to exclude your parents or your in-laws, but your “family” will now consist of who lives under the roof of your new home. Your extended family, though involved and supportive, is not your immediate family.
Many newlyweds and couples simply struggle with separation from their extended family. This is especially true if you grew up in the south, where families are so important. However, separation from your family should include distance. This helps in so many ways, but is sometimes easier said than done. Once you rely on either set of your parents for financial assistance, for help with a disagreement, or just get too comfortable with them coming over, it becomes a scene from Everybody Love’s Raymond — and that isn’t pretty!
Boundaries are blurred, privacy is out the door, and the bond between husband and wife is not as tight as it should be. Countless experts will tell you that it is vital for a couple to have that time to really be together.
Below are a few benefits from moving away from both of your families once you decide to live happily ever after:

1. Your parents will see you as independent.

Once you get married, those ties and bonds to your parents are still very much the same. However, if you put some distance between you, there is something amazing that happens: you begin to “grow up” in their eyes. They begin to see you more as equals instead of someone who really depends on them for everything.

2. You can begin your new life by making new friends together.

Making friends together is a wonderful chance to really grow as a couple. When you move away from home, you are able to meet new neighbors and people in the community you would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. You are really beginning a new life together! This does not mean that you ignore those former relationships, but you are growing your sphere of influence and creating new connections that could benefit you in the future.

3. You can create boundaries for all parties involved.

A couple I knew moved back in with a set of their parents after getting married and this proved very stressful for all involved — for years. The parents knew the couple could not financially stand on their own feet and got used to taking care of their children. This even included telling them when dinner would be served — there was no privacy at all. After the couple moved out, for several years later, the set of parents would show up unannounced at their door! The couple had a struggle getting the parents to see them as adults and not children. They also had problems with how the parents disciplined their children. Having space creates that boundary that is necessary for a new couple to really grow

4. You will have your own set standard way of doing things.

When you move out and venture into the new world together, you end up creating a set standard way of doing things together, and it may or may not be the way your parents would have done things. Odds are, it isn’t. Coming together as a couple, you will compromise and change. That is a beautiful part of marriage, in my opinion. Once you move out, you won’t want to move back in with your parents — that would mean losing all of the benefits of being independent with your new spouse.
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9:01 PM ,

Dear Stress, Let’s Break Up: 10 Tips To Help You De-Stress

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Dear Stress, Let’s Break Up: 10 Tips To Help You De-Stress


The mind and the body feed one another continuously, so if you are challenged by stress, this can certainly affect your overall wellness. Long-term stress can bring about significant changes in your body, and even bursts of short-term stress can temporarily decrease your overall health.
Getting rid of all the stress completely from your life may be challenging, but in this fast-paced world, it is vital to develop coping skills that can help you avoid the serious health impacts that can arise from unmanaged stress. If your stress levels are overwhelming and debilitating, be brave enough to seek support from stress-management groups and practitioners.
Life is far too short and way too precious to share it with stress. Your wellness is priceless. You deserve to feel calm and at peace every single day.
These 10 tips are not only easy to incorporate into your day, they can help to relieve your stress and bring balance back into your body, mind, and spirit. There is no time like the present to break up with stress.

1. Learn the power of deep breathing

Breathing is something we all do, and yet it is something we rarely pay attention to. Focussing on breathing is one of the most powerful ways to calm and connect the mind, body, and spirit. When we focus on the breath, we can learn to control our stress levels, calm ourselves, and regain clarity of mind.
If you can only remember one piece of information when you are drowning in stress, remember this: Take 3 deep breaths.
Such a simple yet powerful way to help reduce those feelings of anxiety and panic that often accompany stress.

2. Don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep

Chronic stress can really interfere with sleep. Sleep directly affects almost every area of our health, so a restless night tossing and turning can increase our stress levels dramatically.
Pay attention to your sleep environment. Create a restful atmosphere that supports a peaceful sleep. From sprinkling a little lavender oil on your pillow to ensuring there are no televisions, computers, or electrical devices in the room, create a comfortable setting that encourages rest.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and big meals in the evening. Stay away from computers and late night TV and instead, wind down with some relaxing music, some beautiful herbal tea, and empty your mind of any stressful thoughts.

3. Try calming foods

When we are overly stressed, many of us reach for stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and unhealthy food for comfort. Particularly during times of stress, we should be reaching for calming foods — not comfort foods.
The best way to increase your energy levels is to consume delicious healthy food. Whether it is because of the specific nutrients or the steady reliable source of energy that healthy food gives you, eating nutrient-rich foods that promote wellbeing will support your body during stress.
Pay attention to your diet. The food you eat can change your life in more ways than you can ever imagine.

4. A scent can evoke peace

The part of the brain that processes odours is very close to the part that houses emotions as well as memories. When you inhale a scent that you love, like perfume or the scent from a flower, you naturally breathe more deeply, which can help you to relax.
Just by inhaling essential oils, we can minimize our stress, anxiety, or any other emotional trauma instantly.
These scents are particularly helpful for easing stress:
  • Lavender – reduces mental stress
  • Jasmine – uplifting and relaxing
  • Rose – nourishes the heart and evokes feelings of reassurance
  • Peppermint – reduces fatigue

5. Meditation, yoga, and prayer

It is possible to reduce your stress levels and improve your mind health by incorporating 20 minutes of either prayer, yoga, or meditation into your day. Relaxation and spiritual support is vital for managing stress. Although it may seem strange, one of the best things we can do during times of high stress is actually not much at all. By that I mean, be still, be quiet, and be observant.

6. Manage your energy

Throughout every minute of every day, you are presented with opportunities that will either deplete or replenish your energy.
Negative relationships, negative environments, gossip, negative thinking. These are all things that will drain your energy.
Healthy relationships, productive environments, positive thinking and participating in activities that will lift you up are all things that will increase your energy.
Learn to say no, to set clear boundaries and make positive choices in all areas of your life to help alleviate stress. Keeping your energetic body healthy is a surefire way to replenish a weary soul.

7. Use positive statements

We all know that there is great power in the spoken word, so when you are faced with stress, acknowledge the benefits of positive affirmations.
I choose to feel calm.
I am clearing my mind of stressful thoughts.
I am releasing stress from every cell in my body.
Positive affirmations can change your body’s energy. They can raise your vibration and release stress.

8. Shake it off

Exercise increases endorphins, the brain’s feel-good transmitters. It improves your mood, energizes you, helps you to relax and sleep better, and when your body feels good, so does your mind.

9. Laughter is the best medicine

Laughing is a fantastic way to release more of those feel-good endorphins throughout your body. Get together with your favourite friends and share some laughs. Watch a hilarious feel-good movie. When you are going through a stressful time, laughter can instantly release some of that negative energy.

10. Make time for simple pleasures

Often, when we are overwhelmed with stress, the simplest of acts can improve our outlook as well as our mood. When you are drowning in stress, make the time for simple pleasures. It is amazing how healing a walk along the beach can be. Witnessing a sunset or sunrise can put life back into perspective. Getting back to nature and walking through a beautiful park or forest can ground us. It is often the simplest of acts that holds the most profound solutions to all life’s stresses.
Unmanaged stress can impact your health, your family, and reduce the quality of your life. When you invest in your wellness, mind, body, and spirit, you show your family and your loved ones an example of positive self-esteem. How well you manage your stress determines the quality of your life.
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8:59 PM , ,

11 Things That Happen After You Turn 30

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11 Things That Happen After You Turn 30


When you were 20, there were probably a lot of things you wanted to do by the time you turn 30, and you likely thought that people over this age were actually quite old. However, the truth is that you don’t feel like you are 30 years old when that birthday hits you, but some things do change.

1. Hangovers become a real thing.

When you were twenty-something years old, you bragged about not having hangovers. You could even continue to drink the next day. Say goodbye to those days, because hangovers will soon become real torturethat lasts 2 days. The torture includes nausea, headaches, and the famous quote “I am too old for this s**t.”
However, the bright side is that you finally learn to enjoy drinks, especially wine, and learn to get just a little drunk — which will make you happy rather than regretting your whole life.

2. Wild nightlife becomes a night in.

As you learn to enjoy good wine, and have the money to buy expensive drinks instead of cheap ones, you stop tolerating people who yell, drink a lot, and party till the morning. Crowded places, where the biggest challenge is getting to the bar and ordering drinks, are replaced with a night in with your partner or friends, drinking wine, having dinner, and watching films.
Some Saturdays also mean spending time with a good movie or a book and just lying in a comfy bed.

3. You can’t eat everything anymore.

Before, you could eat any time of day, whatever you wanted, and not gain a pound. Now, everything you put in your body will show. Gaining weight becomes easier, as well as getting cellulite. So, you need to start exercising and eating healthier — which does not mean eating a cheeseburger at 2 AM.
Your metabolism and digestive system may have failed you, but eating healthy food and exercising will pay off.

4. Wrinkles, wrinkles everywhere.

You never cared about wrinkles until you saw your first ones. They don’t make you ugly, nor can everyone see them. The main problem with wrinkles is that you actually realize you are getting old and you cannot stop time.
Real wrinkles come later, but when they occur you won’t care and they won’t be important. However, wrinkles are the first sign of becoming an adult, and there’s no reason to be sad and scared, because it’s much better than you think.

5. Grey hair starts to appear.

In your twenties, there were some grey hairs, but you could just pluck them and the problem was solved. However, when you turn 30, those grey hairs get to work on taking over your whole head — plucking isn’t an option anymore.
Since you have a job, you can afford an expensive and professional hair dresser who will create the perfect red carpet hairstyle for you — andmake sure that your hair color is spot on.

6. You’ll actually start organizing events in advance.

Till recently, your motto regarding events was “go with the flow,” and planning was basically tweeting or posting an update about the event. The formula used to be: buy drinks, some food, the place doesn’t matter, nor does who shows up. However, those days are long gone.
Now if you want to organize something, you do a lot of careful planning and make sure there are various drinks, extraordinary meals, and instead of tweets, you actually send invitations. When you were young, you couldn’t understand why people made such a big fuss about planning a wedding. Now, you aren’t just planning every little detail of your wedding, but also going through a pile of magazines and websites on the daily.

7. Your newsfeed is full of baby photos… and you like it.

You probably can’t tell exactly when the photos appearing in your newsfeed changed from wild parties to babies, but you actually don’t mind it at all. You may be complaining about them or making sarcastic comments, but deep inside you know that you like those cute baby pictures.

8. You don’t get easily offended

You were always confident, but you were a bit lost in the chaotic life — and the whole process of finding a job that you liked and figuring out who and where you want to be. By the time you turn 30, you still won’t have figured things out, but at least you’ll know what you want and how to get it.
When you were in your twenties, you were shaken and angry by a single comment on social media, but now you really don’t care about those things. You don’t have time for unimportant negative things. That’s why you don’t get easily offended, and you know how to stand up for yourself.

9. You have a small circle of real friends.

Going out with 10 friends is a thing of the past, and you don’t tolerate random people that annoy you. You will finally learn to appreciate those few real friends that you have and love them unconditionally. Real happiness is having a few friends with whom you can share everything, instead of wasting time on toxic people or those that only drain your energy and give nothing back. Your best friends are the people you want to be with for the rest of your life.

10. You travel better.

No more cheap hotels and cramped hostel rooms, and say goodbye to sleeping in a car because you went on an unplanned vacation. In your thirties, you can afford nice rooms, eating in restaurants, and traveling with style.
Moreover, travelling has expanded beyond trips to top destinations. Traveling now includes short weekend trips to the countryside where you will recharge your batteries.

11. Love and sex are better.

You may have found the one or you might still be searching, but one thing is certain: you will find the person who truly makes you happy. Love becomes the only thing that keeps you going and inspires you to do more. Of course, your sex life also becomes better as your thirties are the time when you finally start loving your body, which makes you more confident around your partner.
After all, if we put some changes aside, being 30 is awesome. There is no better time to experience life. Don’t be afraid —  things will only get better.
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8:57 PM ,

8 Fermented Foods That Are Good For Digestion

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8 Fermented Foods That Are Good For Digestion


Here’s something that might shock you: the stomach is like a second brain. In fact, its function is so important to the human body that it affects just about everything when it is out of shape. The gut is made up of trillions of good and bad bacteria, and when it gets out of balance, problems begin to occur everywhere.
Ever noticed blemishes or pimples on your cheeks that just aren’t going away no matter which products you use? Ever wonder why your kidneys hurt constantly, but nothing is detected? Or perhaps you have an irritable bowel or embarrassing flatulence, even though you aren’t necessarily eating foods that would cause this. With the amounts of processed foods, medications, and hidden yeasts and chemicals we consume, our very important gut flora is often thrown out of whack. What is nutritionally beneficial to rectify this is the good bacteria that thrives in fermented foods. Below are 8 of the best that, when introduced slowly, will have your digestive tract better balanced and on the road to recovery.

1. Tempeh

Made from soybeans, tempeh is a delicious (not to mention vegan/vegetarian) fermented food that can be cooked and prepared with any lunch or dinner in a stir-fry, burger, or even just with some veggies. Because it is made from soy beans, it is closely linked to tofu, though it is a less-processed version which is fermented and full of amino acids that are good for the gut. 

2. Pickles

Much like sauerkraut in their simple recipe of salt (and water), “real” pickles are made from cucumbers and spices, but can additionally include herbs for more flavor. Alternatively, any fermented vegetables are going to be good for your gut, so you can really get creative with this one and choose vegetables to your tastes. 

3. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink which comes in the form of both milk or yoghurt, depending on what you prefer. It is, at first, an odd consistency – it almost tastes fizzy, as if it might have turned bad! This is just the live cultures buzzing. Kefir is an amazing source of probiotics and calcium. 

4. Natural yoghurt

Many yoghurts that we buy in the supermarket are packed with sugar, which is detrimental to the health of your stomach. If you can get your hands on a natural yoghurt, they are packed with probiotics and live cultures that rectify and aid imbalances — 100% Greek yoghurt is a good option.

5. Miso

You might have first heard of miso as the Japanese soup sold in small doses at your favorite restaurant. It is, in fact, a paste that is made from barley, soy beans, or rice, and is full of live cultures that are good for the stomach. While stirring it into soups is the most common form of consumption, braver souls enjoy its flavor so much that they even spread it onto toast like peanut butter! 

6. Kombucha

Kombucha is a very ancient Chinese tea that was once known as the “tea of immortality.” Made from yeast bacteria, it is added to sweetened teas and then changed by the sugars into a bowl of incredible nutrients, including vitamin C, B vitamins, amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, and antibiotic tendencies. It is a mixing pot of good gut health!

7. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is the traditional German dish of fermented cabbage. It might be an acquired taste, but as it is made from only cabbage and salt, it is a very healthy gut choice which is full of fiber and probiotics.

8. Kimchi

Kimchi is the Korean version of Sauerkraut. It is made with seasonings and thus has more flavor than the traditional sauerkraut, yet it is similarly packed with fiber and goodness. It is also being more widely used these days, and has been known to even taste good as a pizza topping!
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8:52 PM ,

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

We all love the cozy, comfort foods of the fall and winter season. But with spring upon us, and even warmer weather ahead, our cravings for lighter fare like fresh salads and fruit increase. Most of us, however, are busy people who don’t have the time everyday to throw together complicated salads that call for more ingredients than we can count on our fingers. If you’re one of those souls who come home tired after work and don’t want to spend much time and effort on cooking, then we have the salad for you.
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad recipe is unique in that it isn’t chock-full of lettuce. It’s light and tasty, popping with color, and requires items you probably already have in your kitchen.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3 or Slice-Toss-and-Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 English cucumber
4 Roma tomatoes
3 ripe avocados
1/2 red onion
1/4 cup cilantro
Juice of 1 lemon
salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Place sliced cucumber, tomatoes, avocados, onion and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
3. Enjoy!
Check out the under 60-second video below to see this recipe in action.
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8:50 PM , ,

Meal Prep For The Week

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Meal Prep For The Week


It’s tough to eat well and work full-time. When you finally make it home, you just don’t feel like cooking anything healthy.
Here are some recipes that will help you prep for the week ahead, so you can eat delicious meals and bask in the glory of leftovers.

1. Spicy Tuna and Avocado Melts

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Altogether, you’ll be able to throw this recipe together in about 15 minutes. Just preheat the oven as soon as you walk in the door and you’ll be all set to go. You’ll squeeze all five main food groups into these melts, and if you don’t want both servings tonight, save one for tomorrow!

2. Quick Tomato Basil Soup

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What you need is a recipe that’s easy to follow, and soup is one of the easiest things to make (and making it yourself tastes much better than the stuff in the can, really). Soup made with fresh ingredients – and served with garlic bread on the side – meets all your veggie needs and is ready in just 20 minutes or less.

2. Sautéed Chickpeas, Broccoli and Parmesan

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Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will adore this recipe, especially if you’re usually not a huge fan of vegetables. You’ll get plenty of protein, veggies and carbs eating this dish, and there’s a lot of cheese involved (yasss). You’ll have leftovers for a few nights, which will save you a ton of time later in the week.

4. Rice and Bean Bowl

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This is a single-serving dish that gives you a healthy serving of grains, protein and even a little fruit, if you opt for the guac. It takes about six to seven minutes to prepare, and because it’s rice and bean-based, it will fill you up and keep you from snacking the rest of the night, too.

5. Microwave Lasagna

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This lasagna will take around 45 minutes to prep and cook, but it’s super easy to throw together, and you can do something else for 30 minutes while you’re waiting for it to cook. It’s meaty, it’s cheesy … it’s like a pizza without bread. The best part about it is that you will have leftovers, so if you make it Sunday night, you could still be eating it for dinner on Tuesday.

6. Slow Cooker Chili

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This is definitely a recipe you’ll want to throw together on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. You can also try cooking it on low during the day while you’re at work. This is a bean-and-veggie masterpiece, easy to heat up in the microwave later when you walk in the door at the end of a long day.

7. Onion-Stuffed Baked Potato

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Add something special to your boring baked potato. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, and there should be enough to save for tomorrow’s dinner, too. These ingredients combined will fill you up with healthy ingredients you already love – you just never knew how well they went together.
Happy eating!
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8:44 PM ,
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