Body

According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 23% of full-time employees felt burnt out often or always, while around 44% reported experiencing burnout symptoms sometimes. This statistic equates to approximately two-thirds of employees feeling overly stressed out while working. Of course, burnout can occur in other situations, such as school, parenting, or taking care of a loved one. But work usually accounts for a vast portion of people’s stress.

People experience burnout when they get so mentally and physically exhausted that it interrupts their ability to perform daily tasks. Repeated exposure to highly stressful situations, such as being a caretaker for a family member or working long hours, can lead to chronic stress. Some stress can help motivate us. But too much over an extended period can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies.

However, most people don’t recognize the symptoms of feeling burnt out. They might brush off the crippling anxiety as just a part of life, or vow to get the aches and pains in their back checked out eventually. In today’s fast-paced society, people simply don’t prioritize health because they feel that earning money and keeping up with responsibilities takes precedence.

What is burnout?

Coined by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in the 1970s, burnout entails feeling highly stressed for long periods, which can lead to a complete nervous breakdown or chronic exhaustion. It differs from chronic fatigue, however, in that burnout describes psychological symptoms while scientists believe physical ailments cause the above condition. One’s mental state can become so impaired that they may not even feel like getting out of bed in the morning.

Who suffers from burnout?

Anyone can feel burnt out depending on their life circumstances, but the people most at-risk tend to work in highly stressful jobs that demand long hours. Nurses, doctors, first responders, and other healthcare professionals tend to experience burnout at higher rates than people in different fields of work. Also, those who care for children or elderly parents have high vulnerability to developing this condition.

One study found that mothers and fathers can feel burnt out just as much as corporate executives and people in healthcare. Also, those who have a “Type A” personality tend to suffer from burnout more often.

Now that we’ve given you a bit of background on burnout, let’s discuss some red flags to watch out for in your health.

Here are six things that happen to your body when you’re burnt out:

1. You always feel exhausted.

If you almost always feel like you have no energy even after a good night’s sleep, you may have developed burnout. Feeling exhausted doesn’t just mean you don’t feel like getting out of bed, either. It can also mean you feel emotionally depleted, which can mimic depression.

2. You have trouble sleeping.

People who experience burnout often report having trouble falling or staying asleep. Because of the highly stressful demands of daily life, many people have insomnia due to not being able to shut off their brains. If you frequently toss and turn at night, you may have high cortisol levels, which prevent you from relaxing into a restful sleep.

3. You suffer from anxiety and depression.

A combination of high-stress levels, lack of sleep, and a dissatisfied mental state can lead to anxiety and depression. However, if you don’t usually have anxiety and depression but suddenly start experiencing symptoms, you might be feeling burnt out instead. Many of the symptoms can overlap, so visiting with your healthcare provider might help clear up any confusion.

4. You get sick more often.

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, you might start noticing the following physical signs of sickness:

• lower immune system
• frequent cold sores or rashes
• you get colds or flu more often
• more viral and bacterial infections
• frequent headaches
• gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, stomachaches, and digestive problems
• general unwell feelings

5. Your muscles feel tight and tense.

When you have high-stress levels, your joints and muscles get stiff because your body wants to prepare you for a perceived threat. However, if the stress becomes chronic, you will start to feel muscle weakness and fatigue, which can be a symptom of anxiety as well.

6. Your risk of developing cardiovascular problems increases.

The American Heart Association links prolonged stress with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. When the body produces too much adrenaline and cortisol over an extended period, blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol increase. All of these conditions can lead to a heart attack or stroke. These risk factors mean you should take burnout seriously if you start noticing symptoms.

12 stages of burnout

You may not even notice symptoms of burnout, because it doesn’t come on all at once like a cold or flu. Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North have outlined the 12 phases of feeling burnt out:

1. Excessive drive/ambition. People with Type A personality often have a strong work ethic, which can lead to working excessively in new jobs where they feel they need to prove themselves.
2. Pushing themselves too hard. As they gain traction and acceptance in their job, they will take things to an extreme to remain on top.
3. Neglecting self-care. They may sacrifice workouts, sleep, or eating well to keep up with the increasing demands at work.
4. Blaming others for your workload. Instead of admitting that you have created the problem, you blame your company, boss, or colleagues for the amount of work on your plate.
5. You make work your life and have no time for anything else. If you decline invitations to hang out with friends or family because it feels more like a chore than a fun outing, you might be feeling burnt out.
6. You pick out the faults in those around you to deflect from your issues. Also, you grow impatient and irritated with people more easily.
7. You withdraw from friends and family. They start to notice that you’ve become more quiet and uninterested in daily life aside from work.
8. Behavioral changes. Loved ones may say you’ve become more irritable and aggressive, having a short temper with them.
9. You may feel you have no control over your life and start to dissociate from even your work.
10. Feeling anxious. To cope with the anxiety, you may start to depend on substances or thrilling experiences such as gambling or reckless driving.

• You start to feel empty inside and no longer find any meaning in life.
• Nervous breakdown. Feelings of burnout finally become unbearable, and you may need psychological treatment.

As you can see, burnout can appear subtle at first but lead to disaster if left untreated. To prevent burnout, make sure to follow these tips:

How to avoid feeling burnt out

– Exercise at least a few times per week. Working out releases feel-good endorphins that can help mitigate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Even walking outside for 15-30 minutes a day can have a dramatic effect on your mental and physical health.

• Eat a balanced diet. Make sure you avoid processed foods and eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds. Eat minimal animal proteins, if you choose, such as salmon, poultry, eggs, and milk.
• Get plenty of sleep. Many people today undervalue sleep and don’t prioritize it. However, your mental and physical health will suffer if you don’t give your brain time to rest. Make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, stay off technology a couple of hours before bedtime, and establish good sleep hygiene.
• Meditate or do yoga to reset your mind. To have a balanced mental state, we need to check out of daily life and tune into our inner beings once in a while.
• Delegate tasks and ask for help. To avoid become overloaded by work, make sure to ask others for assistance. No one can do everything on their own, so don’t feel bad about asking for help. Lean on friends and family during difficult times for support as well.

Final thoughts on what can happen to your body when you’re burnt out

Many people brush off feelings of anxiety or stress, but you shouldn’t take these symptoms lightly. If you experience chronic stress, it can lead to a nervous breakdown or burnout, eventually, which can disrupt your daily life. Make sure you take care of yourself by allowing time each day for relaxing activities.

Don’t make your responsibilities your whole life; while everyone needs to make a living and take care of loved ones, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, exercising, and taking care of your mental state will keep you healthy overall and help you avoid feeling burnt out. This world places a lot of demands on us, but sometimes, you have to forget the world and take care of yourself. If you gain the world but lose your peace and joy, is it worth it anyway?

No matter where you are, germs are around. They’re in the air, on your food, water, and even on your body. Luckily, your immune system regulates the majority of these germs. For the bacteria that your immune system doesn’t eliminate, you’ll need a great cleanser.

With the number of toxins and chemicals in commercial cleansers, you’re putting you and everyone in your home in danger. To remove germs and stay healthy, you need a gentle cleanser. A great natural cleanser for your body and home is castile soap.

What’s in Castile Soap?

One of the most significant aspects of Castile soap is its healthy ingredients. For one, Castile doesn’t use animal byproducts or harsh chemicals. Often, they use vegetable oil bases mixed with essential oils and natural fragrances.

When you purchase this soap, you’re likely to find some of these ingredients:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a variety of health benefits. It’s excellent for healing burns and wounds. It’s also known for its antimicrobial properties and protects the teeth, hair, and skin.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is excellent for all skin types, mainly since it works without clogging your pores. If you suffer from chapped skin or inflammation, then hemp seed oil also acts as a natural pain reliever. You can also use hemp seed oil for hair growth. Hemp oil strengthens the hair follicles and improves scalp health.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil protects against UV radiation, skin damage, and heals irritated and chapped skin. Typically, avocado oil acts as a beneficial carrier oil in numerous beauty regimens.

Depending on which castile soap you use, they’re typically scented with essential oil. Popular essential oils used to fragrance this soap are lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil. In addition to their unique smells, essential oils have excellent cleaning properties.

For instance, tea tree oil is a great cleaning agent based on its ability to clean mold and mildew. Tea tree oil also has antiseptic and antiviral properties. Lavender essential oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and works as a disinfectant.

Lavender also promotes a calming effect that lasts after cleaning.

Peppermint essential oil is an excellent disinfectant. It’s also great for naturally eliminating pests like insects and rodents from your home. Unlike other pest repellents, these are safe for pets and children to inhale.

You can purchase this soap in liquid and bar form. If necessary, you can convert the bar into liquid form. Based on its healthy, natural ingredient list, Castile soap can be an expensive cleaning agent.

Luckily, it’s concentrated enough to clean after being diluted–and quite effectively. And, of course, you cannot hang a price tag on better health. Right?

15 Ways to Use Castile Soap to Cleanse Your Home and Body

This cleanser is one of the few soaps gentle enough to cleanse the body but strong enough to clean your house. Although it’s lather isn’t as prominent as commercial soaps, it’s still working. Often, chemicals in soap cause them to foam or froth.

Castile soap is a great cleaning agent for nearly any surface. Here’s a list of ways to utilize this gentle cleanser.

1. Wound Cleaner

Everyone, from time to time, gets a minor wound around the house. Whether it’s a paper cut or a knee scrape, you’ll need to clean the wound to avoid infection. The chemicals in commercial soaps frequently burn, making it difficult to clean the injury effectively.

When you use Castile to cleanse your wounds, you’re also adding healing agents that speed up your recovery.

Add two teaspoons of soap to 2 cups of filtered water. A study proved using this cleansing mixture minimized the risk of wound complications. Best of all, your children can use this solution as they learn to cleanse their wounds.

2. Laundry Detergent

Chemicals and toxins in name brand laundry detergents not only irritate the skin but cause your clothes to deteriorate quickly. When making your detergent, mix a bar of shredded or 2 cups of liquid soap with one cup of baking soda. Baking soda acts as an exfoliant and helps remove dirt from your garments.

If you’d like scented laundry with an extra bit of cleaning power, add 30 drops of essential oils to your mixture. Mix these ingredients in an airtight container and use up to a quarter cup per large load. If necessary, adjust the amount of detergent, especially for delicate or smaller loads.

3. Shampoo

Some people struggle with growing robust and healthy hair. They don’t realize it’s their store-bought shampoo. Commercial shampoos use plastics, dyes, and chemicals that make hair dry and brittle.

Some even disrupt your scalp’s natural balance, which interferes with growth. Making your shampoo allows you to customize your cleaning routine based on your specific hair and scalp needs.

When washing your hair, there are two effective methods. You can either use a small amount of pure soap or a premade mixture.

Wet your hair and apply a small amount of undiluted soap to your hair and scalp. Even though it doesn’t lather like traditional shampoos, your hair will get clean.

For premixed shampoo, add one cup of water and one tablespoon of soap to a container and lightly shake. If you have a bottle with a pump or pourable lid, you’ll have better portion control. Wet your hair and apply the soap to your scalp and strands.

4. Facial Cleanser

This mild soap is excellent for cleaning your skin without stripping your natural oils. Wet your face and apply a few drops of soap to your face. After lathering, rinse, and pat dry before applying toner and moisturizer.

5. Body Wash

In addition to a facial cleanser, you can also use it on your body. Simply add a few drops to your washcloth or loofah for additional exfoliating and shower as usual.

6. All-Purpose House Cleaner

From countertops to toilet seats, Castile soap is strong enough to clean multiple surfaces. Add up to 2 cups of soap to a quart of water. You can strengthen your mixture with 20-30 drops of essential oil. Additionally, the essential oils provide a clean and fresh smell to your household.

Add your mixture to a spray bottle and spray your surfaces. Let sit for a couple of minutes and wipe clean.

7. Mop Solution

If you have pets or small children, you need a natural cleanser to keep your floor clean. Mix a half cup of soap with three gallons of hot water for a mopping solution. You can even spray your all-purpose mixture on the floor and follow up with your mopping solution.

8. Toothpaste

Ingredients like coconut oil are great for cleaning and strengthening enamel. It’s an acquired taste, but adding a couple of drops to your toothbrush keeps your teeth clean. You can also add peppermint essential oil to boost benefits.

9. Produce Cleaner

Both conventional and organic products come with dirt and other contaminants on their journey to the grocery store. By adding a tablespoon of this soap to a sink full of water, you can clean your produce. Be sure to rinse off the soap before eating thoroughly.

10. Makeup Remover

Commercial makeup removers contain harsh chemicals that can hurt your skin. For a natural alternative, mix one-part soap with one part carrier oil. Dip a cotton ball into your mixture and remove makeup.

11. Pet Wash

This gentle cleansing agent is versatile enough to clean your pets. The amount of soap you use depends on the size of your dog and their hair. If possible, avoid using essential oils and avocado oil on your pet in case of a reaction.

12. Bug Repellent

If bugs eat your plants, you can create a bug repellent for your garden. Mix a quarter cup of soap with a quart of water in a spray bottle and spray your plants. Try a spot test before spraying your garden.

13. Shaving Cream

When you shave, you need a lubricant to minimize cuts and scrapes. Start by wetting your shaving area and add several drops of soap. This process creates a slippery surface that helps your razor glide as it cuts your hair.

14. Dish Soap

When you clean dishes, the chemicals in soap linger on your dishware. Instead, add several drops of soap to your wet washcloth or sponge and clean your dishes.

15. Glass Cleaner

Not only does glass cleaner contain chemicals, but it can also be expensive. By mixing two teaspoons of soap, 2 cups of water, and a half cup of vinegar, you’ll have a natural, affordable, streak-free glass cleaner.

Final Thoughts on Using Castile Soap for Natural Cleansing

Castile soap is beneficial for the entire family. If you’re worried about your baby or smaller children, several brands offer tear-free Castile solutions. Based on its all-natural ingredient list, you don’t need to worry about chemical reactions and skin irritation.

Whether you want to use this soap for beauty or household care, its versatility makes it an excellent investment. Even if it appears a bit pricey, it saves money based on its ability to replace your commercial cleaners.

If you care about the overall wellness of your entire family, consider purchasing a bottle of castile soap. You’ll immediately see an improvement in your cleanliness and health.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the perfect body of them all? Why, of course, you do! There has never been anyone quite like you in the history of humans, nor will there ever be. Then why is our society so caught up in body shaming when we each have unique qualities that make us individuals?

Thanks to global media, you are continually being assaulted by images of what they consider the perfect body. Of course, they fail to mention that these models are often malnourished, and the photos are tweaked with light, makeup, camera, and computer tricks. These fake silicone-injected models display expensive goods and services and suggest that they will make you just as beautiful, successful, and wealthy.

These images and advertisements subliminally promote body shaming, and we continue to buy into the sham. Average Americans sink billions of dollars annually into the beauty and diet industry, hoping for miraculous results. It’s a slippery slope that can bankrupt you financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

How can you boost your self-confidence and finally discover self-acceptance? Many Hollywood stars are speaking out against body shaming and are sharing their stories of overcoming poor body images. Although former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was often cruelly criticized for not measuring up to society’s beauty standards, she remarked that nobody could make her feel inferior without her permission.

10 Ways to End Body Shaming and Love the Skin You’re In

It’s time to start accepting and loving yourself just as you are. You don’t need a product or service to make you just as good as anyone else, because you already are. Consider these ten reasons why you will no longer need or tolerate body shaming in your life.

1. You are Unique

Even identical twins have unique fingerprints and genetic makeup. Nature abounds with countless variety and individualism, so why would humans want to be any different? Instead of fighting against having a diverse body, embrace it.

You must revel in the body you have. If someone has a problem with your body, it’s their problem and not yours. You must love you to the fullest.

2. You have Redefined Beauty for Yourself

Each era and culture have their definition of beauty, so why can’t you? Not every culture values skinny figures, overly processed hair, or artificially plumped bosoms. You will be hard-pressed to find any of these fake images in an average crowd at the grocery store.

Make it a habit to notice people when you are in a group. Notice how different colors of skin, eyes, hair, and body shapes weave an intricate quilt of beauty. Take a cue from nature and find joy and grace in being different.

3. You’ve Made Friends with Your Body

Body shaming creates a culture of self-loathing with negative consequences. Eating disorders are still a life-threatening epidemic, especially among young women. The hallmark of these often- fatal mental diseases is a distorted body image.

Talk to your professional healthcare provider about the diet and lifestyle that is right for you. Make it a habit of looking in the mirror every day and love yourself. If you need to lose a few pounds, do it out of love and appreciation, not hate.

4. You Show Gratitude Every Day

It’s normal to feel a little blue and down on yourself occasionally. One way to start loving yourself again is to practice gratitude. Since it’s a practice, you must do it regularly to see positive results.

When was the last time you were grateful for your life and who you are? These blessings are more important than any material gain. If you think you’ve nothing to be thankful for, then visit a few hospitals and nursing homes and talk to folks who would give anything to have your health and vitality.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal or write positive affirmations on sticky notes to place around your house. Whenever you enter your journal or see a happy note stuck to your mirror, you will be reminded of all the beautiful things that make you unique.

5. You’ve Learned to Eliminate the Negative

Body shaming is a devastating force that thrives in a negative environment. Once you have decided to defeat it with self-confidence, you will discover other negative influences that must go. Cultivating a loving and positive atmosphere takes work and determination, but you are up for the challenge.

You work too hard for your money and resources to waste it on things that make you feel bad about yourself. Unsubscribe to any magazine or media outlet that promotes body-shaming and a false sense of beauty. While you can’t eliminate negative influences, you can choose what to believe.

How about friends and family in your close circle? Are they positive influences in your life, or do they burden you with criticism? If someone can’t love you for the beautiful soul you are, then don’t waste any more energy to keep them near.

6. You Want to be Healthy instead of Skinny

Since obesity has been an epidemic in America for a while, most of us could lose a pound or two for health’s sake. How many times have you watched the late-night infomercials on tv about popular weight loss programs? Most of these gimmicky programs promise to make you skinny in little time with minimal effort.

After you lost a ton of money and a few pounds, you probably gained the weight back plus some. Body shaming and fad diets go hand in hand, and they’re a lucrative ploy. In those cheesy infomercials, you will probably see skinny actors prancing around who never even had weight issues.

If your healthcare provider has recommended a sensible weight loss and fitness regimen for you, the goal is to be healthy, not necessarily skinny. Did you know that many rail-thin people are often malnourished and have as many health risks as those who are overweight? Your body size will never dictate your beauty or worth as a person.

7. You Accentuate Your Inner Beauty

We all know the saying that beauty is only skin deep, but that saying is only partially true. Humans are hardwired to be attracted by the lust of the eye, so beauty is beauty at first. However, it is originality and a beautiful spirit and attitude that will solidify the attraction.

Did you know that your most beautiful accent piece is your smile? Even if your neck is ornamented with diamonds, your pearly whites will be what stands out the most. How you feel about yourself and the world will be evident in your expressions and how you carry yourself.

8. You Create Your Sense of Style

Back in the day, you often found clothing tags that falsely proclaimed one size fits all. Even when clothing manufacturers revised it to one size fits most, it still isn’t so. No color, style, or shape is flattering to everyone who tries to wear it.

Don’t put a lot of credibility into fashion trends. As you learn to build your wardrobe around your styling sense, trendiness won’t matter as much. Buy classic pieces that will mix and match with other things in your closet. When you buy the best quality you can afford, these pieces will allow you to dress for several seasons.

Refuse to allow current fashion to dictate your wardrobe choices. Wear colors and styles that flatter your figure and make you feel beautiful. Dress age-appropriate and learn how to use accent pieces to your advantage, remembering that understated is often most attractive.

9. You No Longer Need a Mask of Makeup

The same rules apply when you use makeup, which should be used only to accent your natural beauty. When you lean heavy on the cosmetics, you may appear more like a clown than a queen. Don’t hide your lovely radiance behind a mask of makeup.

A genuine smile and an attitude of self-acceptance are worth far more than overloaded lashes or artificially plumped lips. Nobody is happy all the time, so you needn’t glue a smile on your face if you aren’t feeling it. As a beautiful person, you let your soul shine through and are true to your feelings.

10. Be an Advocate for Yourself and Others

An effective way to fight the plague of body shame is to let your voice be heard. Stand up for yourself if someone says something inappropriate or hurtful, even in jest. Let these people know that you won’t tolerate their judgmental attitude.

Your money is a powerful force in the market, so refuse to patronize businesses and companies that promote false body perception and exclude customers who are different. Instead, buy goods and services from those who value individualism, freedom of expression, and multiculturalism.

Final Thoughts: Stop Body Shaming Yourself and Wear Self Confidence Instead

It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When you are self-confident, you don’t accept body shaming in any way. You become your definition of beauty in body, mind, and spirit.

Nonverbal communication can speak just as loudly – if not more so – than verbal communication. If you perform great types of body language, they can enhance your message, improve people’s positive thinking of you, and impress those around you. If your body language is bad, though, you’re more likely to wind up pushing others away.

Some types of bad body language are so common that you might not even realize that you’re performing them and, therefore, hurting other people’s impressions of you.

Here are 18 uses of body language to stop immediately.

1.    Not Smiling

In social interactions, smiling is a great way to show off your confidence and openness. It is something we may often forget to do, especially in more formal situations, but smiling can have positive effects on many social relations. When you smile, others will:

• Be more receptive towards you
• Feel more open around
• React with more positive thinking to you
• Offer a smile back

However, do note that you should not give out fake smiles, as most people can very easily tell when someone is being insincere, even if they only pick up on it subconsciously.

2.    Rubbing The Neck

Rubbing your neck seems like a natural and innocent gesture. In fact, you might be rubbing your neck just to relieve stress or tension in the area. Unfortunately, doing it around others might send the wrong message. Others might interpret this move as:

• Anxiety in a social situation
• Discomfort with the people you are interacting with
• Dislike of a situation or the people around you

3.    Eye Rolls

It’s often said that the eyes are the window to the soul. That’s probably why the way you use them can convey so much information.

The act of rolling your eyes is a common and obvious sign of disrespect. It may be harmless in your mind, especially as an act of non-verbal communication around people you are close to, but it is just plain rude around many other people. Rolling your eyes expresses:

• Boredom
• Annoyance
• Disagreement
• Sarcasm

4.    Looking Around Too Much

When you’re in a conversation, you should remain present within it. Looking around the room constantly and paying insufficient attention to the person you’re talking to is just plain bad manners, and it gives the impression that:

• You are looking for someone else to talk to
• The conversation topic is not interesting or engaging enough
• You don’t respect their time or company

5.    Bad Posture

When you stand around with bad posture, you’re conveying a huge list of different negative pieces of information to those around you. Here’s how:

• With slumped shoulders and a caved-in chest, your body language indicates that you have surrendered and are not willing to take on challenges.
• When you slouch, you are telling others that you are insecure and have low self-esteem.
• General bad posture shows others that you lack the energy and enthusiasm to carry the conversation.

6.    Playing With Hair

During any conversation, you should avoid playing with your hair. It’s distracting to the people you talk to. As such, you should refrain from running fingers across your hair and scalp, fidgeting with your hair, or even twirling it in a playful way. If you don’t stop, it can both damage your hair and send the wrong message, and it’s a habit that’s tough to break.

7.    Invading Personal Space

No one likes it when someone else enters their personal bubble. Unless it’s somewhat you have a very close relationship with, it’s generally not a good idea to invade the personal space of any person. This is especially true with strangers or in business relationships.

As a general idea, you shouldn’t get closer to another person by 1 and a half feet, and remember that someone’s personal space isn’t yours to invite yourself into. Be aware of where and how you stand, as you can still get into a person’s bubble unknowingly.

8.    Fidgeting

When talking or listening to someone, the act of fidgeting may be perceived as disrespectful to them. Actions such as twirling your hair, tapping your fingers or feet, touching jewelry,  or constantly checking the time are considered as fidgeting. Others may think that:

• You are bored
• You don’t think the person is worth talking to
• You would rather be somewhere else
• You are impatient for the conversation to be over

9.    Using Repetitive Gestures

A lot of people aren’t too sure what to do with their hands in conversation. Where should they rest? How much movement is too much movement? The latter question is more crucial than the former.

Many people who don’t fully talk with their hands fall victim to using repetitive gestures. Repetition speaks of anxiety and can make your point even less clear, as your gestures are supposed to match your speech. Use gestures sparingly and only when it is natural or helps emphasize a point. Each gesture should be strong, clear, and end cleanly.

10. Biting Fingernails

Biting your fingernails is a big no-no in social interaction. It’s a bit of a gross habit, to begin with, and it’s quite unsightly to do in front of other people. People often bite their nails when they are nervous, too, so others may consider you anxious when you use that gesture. Plus, it damages your nails and leaves a terrible impression on others.

11. Never Showing Acknowledgment

People often discount the importance of showing acknowledgment during social interactions. You need to show the people you are interacting with that you are listening to them. It helps them feel like they’re being listened to and it’s a basic sign of respect. You can show acknowledgment by:

• Giving a certain amount of eye contact
• Smiling at them
• Nodding when you agree
• Making the appropriate facial expressions

12. Crossing Legs or Arms

It’s natural for a lot of people to cross their arms and legs when they sit. However, if you’re speaking to someone, this might make you look defensive. It could send a message that you`re not open to interacting with another person or hearing what they have to say, or that you feel uncomfortable in their presence. If you keep your arms and legs uncrossed and your hands visible, you will appear more trustworthy.

The act of crossing your arms and legs when sitting comes naturally for most people, but during social interactions, that action may give off the wrong impression. It looks like you’re uncomfortable and like you aren’t open to interaction.

To begin with, you can appear more trustworthy to others when your hands are visible. But crossing arms and legs, in general, creates a closed posture that makes you seem defensive, and it’s commonly read as an anxious motion – so if you’re trying to convey a message of positive thinking, it’s not going to work that way!

13. Furrowed Brow

During social interaction, it is important to maintain a neutral expression. The act of furrowing your brows and scrunching up your face may give others the wrong impression. Effects of furrowing your brows at someone include:

• Unintentionally intimidating them, or coming across as hostile
• Discouraging them from opening up to you
• Causing them to be more defensive during the interaction

14. Acting Distracted

Giving someone your attention when they are talking is a common courtesy. It shows that you are engaged in the conversation. As such, it’s not a surprise that people find it rude when you look distracted while they are talking.

Even if you are paying attention, if your body language conveys otherwise, it will still offend the other party. So make sure you look at the other person you are speaking to and engage in active listening practices.

15. Shuffling

The way you walk affects people’s perceptions of you. People that walk with a straight back and a puffed chest, for example, have a more confident stance. In fact, there’s an unusual positive side to this behavior. Confident walkers have a lower chance of being mugged, so there are even more reasons to stop this body language.

On the other hand, walking with a slouch and shuffling along clearly speaks of nervousness and fear, and it indicates a lack of confidence that can make you a target for criminals.

16. Eyes Glued To Your Phone

If you are at a social gathering, it is respectful to put your phone away and engage with the group. After all, you’re surrounded by people – why would you need to check social media when real-life social activities are right in front of you?

Refrain from openly checking your phone and only do so if it is a prior obligation or emergency. With fewer distractions, it is easier to be present in conversations with others.

17. Bad Eye Contact

Eye contact is the foundational building block of almost all forms of social interaction. Good eye contact conveys confidence while a lack of it can make you seem untrustworthy, and over-the-top eye contact can come across as aggressive.

You want to find the balance between intimidating staredowns and unconfident avoidance. If eye contact is not comfortable for you, try to communicate that to the person you’re speaking to, especially if it’s someone you may work with or be around for a while.

18. An Odd Handshake

More often than not, the first impression someone will have of you is from your handshake. The intensity of your grip changes someone’s perception of you. A weak grip may send signals that you are new to a group or profession and are, therefore, unsure of yourself, while a very strong grip may send signals that you are aggressive or boorish.

Once again, just like with eye contact, you’ll want to find the balance between these two extremes. Your handshakes should be firm, not linger for more than two or three up-and-down motions, and not be a contest of strength.

Final Thoughts On Some Uses Of Body Language To Stop Immediately

Body language is a very powerful communication tool, and it can be difficult to learn to interpret and use correctly. It’s about more than just how you hold yourself and what your expression looks like – it can change entire messages and speak louder than words.

By learning about the forms of body language you commonly use, you’ll be able to easily avoid making social faux pas by accident through negative body language. Make sure to avoid these 18 kinds of body language and replace them with better alternatives!

How to Find the Perfect Prom Dress for Your Body Type

Teens are spending more and more money on prom each year. In fact, the average family spends over $900 on prom, and most of that goes towards the dress.

Finding the perfect dress for prom is a big deal. For many young girls, it’s one of the biggest nights they’ve had so far in their lives. They’re not only commemorating the end of high school, but also the end of an era, so to speak.

So, yeah, there’s a lot of investment in finding the right dress, both in terms of money and time spent looking for it.

If you find yourself having difficulties finding the right one, then it’s probably because you’re not searching to fit your body type.

Here’s how to find the perfect prom dress for your body type to ensure you look fabulous on your big night out.

Get to Know Your Body Type

Shopping for your specific body type is one of the biggest advents in fashion that’s occurred over the past few years. Before, it was all about finding the hottest new dress and making yourself fit into it.

Now, people are wiser and they know that you’re going to look best in something that fits your specific body type.

Generally, young women fall into six different categories when it comes to body type:

• Petite
• Tall
• Rectangular
• Curvy
• Triangle
• Inverted Triangle

Petite women are under 5’3” and tall women are typically above 5’6”. This is a pretty small range, so you might not be able to classify your body type solely based on height.

However, if you’re particularly petite or particularly tall, then it’s going to affect the types of prom dresses you’re going to look for. We’ll get into that in a bit.

Women with a rectangular shaped body have similar measurements for their bust, waist, and hips. You’re not particularly curvy in any area of your body.

On the contrary, curvy women have very small waists and tend to have larger breasts that accentuate the curves of their bodies.

If you a fuller lower body, wide hips, and a smaller bust, then you likely have a triangle body shape. An inverted triangle body shape is the exact opposite. These women have larger busts and very thing legs.

It’s important to note that you probably don’t fall into one body type category perfectly.

However, if you can get to know the basic shape of your body it will help you find the best prom dresses for your body type and then make slight alterations to one of them to fit you perfectly.

How to Find the Perfect Prom Dress by Body Type

Do you think you’ve figured out which body type you have? Great! Shopping for the right prom dress is going to be so much easier now that you know what kind of body you’re trying to dress.

When it comes to prom dresses and body types, what you’re really looking for is a dress that’s going to accentuate your natural features or enhance weaker features that you want to make look better.

This means that if you’re curvy, the dress will accentuate your curves. Or, if you’re naturally small-waisted, then you’re going to look for a dress that helps enhance the look of your waist to draw it in.

Here’s how to find the perfect prom dresses for your specific body type.

Prom Dresses for Petite Bodies

As a petite girl, chances are that you’re small all around, not just short. This means that your entire frame is small and that you’re going to need to make yourself look taller.

Showing a little bit of side leg can help elongate your frame, and it compliments petite women as it doesn’t make them look incredibly tall or overpowering.

High-low dresses work great for petite girls as it allows them to show off their legs in the front while still enjoying a flowing, elegant dress in the back.

Or, you can opt for a cocktail dress with a v-neckline or some kind of vertical print. These will help lengthen your frame and they tend to look flattering on petite women.

Prom Dresses for Tall Bodies

Young women who are tall tend to shy away from making themselves look even taller. They usually opt for dresses and postures that make them look smaller, which is totally the opposite of what they should be doing!

When searching for your prom dress, you need to embrace your frame! Try on dresses that show off your body’s length and compliment your figure.

Long ball gowns work great on tall bodies, as do form-fitting maxi dresses, which fashion experts expect are going to be hot for prom dresses 2020.

Graphic patterns will look great on your frame, and two-piece dresses that allow the bottom skirt to have a really high waistline will help you look extra elegant.

Prom Dresses for Rectangular Bodies

If you have a rectangular body type, then your biggest goal is going to be to add dimension to your frame.

Because you have similar measurements all around your body, it’s really about figuring out how to add curves and flair to your shoulders, chest, and waist.

Look for prom dresses that feature a one-shoulder neckline or a high slit. These are great ways to add dimension to your look and show off a bit of skin.

If you have a particularly rectangular waistline then you might need help defining your shape. If this is the case, then you can look for a dress with an empire waist or opt for a trumpet skirt.

Flowing, layered dresses are also going to help add dimension to your body and create the illusion of more curves.

Prom Dresses for Curvy Bodies

If you have a curvy body, then you’re going to want to look for a prom dress that really works to accentuate all of your natural features.

Fitted dresses with well-defined waits are going to help show off your curvy waistline and natural body shape.

Cinched waistlines or waistlines with decorations are great if you’re looking for something really well-defined.

You’ll also want to ensure that the top fits you properly. Open necklines work great here as they ensure that all the attention is down at your waist and not up near your neck.

If you need to, it’s really worth sending your dress to get altered to ensure that it fits properly around your waist and your bust.

Prom Dresses for Triangle Bodies

With a triangle body shape, your goal is going to be to even out your body’s frame and silhouette. Because you have a stronger or fuller lower body, the goal with a prom dress is to find one that draws the attention up towards your neck.

Flowy off-the-shoulder prom dresses work great for this body type as they draw the eye upwards and off of your legs and hips.

Or, opt for a style that cascades down over your waistline to accentuate your natural frame.

A-line silhouettes, strapless dresses, and embellished necklines are all styles to look for if you have a triangle body shape.

If you can’t find the right dress with an embellished neckline, then spice up a normal dress with some flashy, chunky necklaces.

Prom Dresses for Inverted Triangle Bodies

As a woman with an inverted triangle body, it’s likely that you have larger breasts and very thin legs. If this is the case, then when you’re looking for a prom dress, try to try on ones that have very flowy bottoms.

Because your bust is larger, you’re going to want to accentuate that with a fitted top while evening out your frame’s look with a fuller skirt at the bottom.

Adding definition to your waist is important as it’s going to help you pull in your waistline to help accentuate both your bust and your lower body.

Look for a mermaid or trumpet gown to accentuate your natural frame as these two styles look especially great on your body type.

Making Alterations to Your Prom Dress

Learning how to find the perfect prom dress depends a lot on learning more about your body type.

Take time out to head to a professional seamstress. They’ll be able to measure your body in all of the necessary areas to give you a good idea of your actual body type, not the one you think you have.

With this in mind, it will be easier to shop for a prom dress in a way that helps you save time and money. However, try not to focus on finding the perfect dress.

If a dress fits you in the right places and you feel beautiful in it, then it’s okay to have to make alterations to it! It’s rare that you’re going to find a dress that fits your body type perfectly, as we’re all very different.

Enjoyed this article? Take a look at at our clothing and accessories section for more fashion tips and ideas to help you design your prom 2020 look.

5 Ways to Do a Whole Body Detox Naturally

Planning to do a whole body detox? There are so many benefits you’ll get to enjoy when you do.

A detox can help you lose weight and give you more energy. It can also boost your immune system and clear up your skin

It can even make you appreciate food more and get you to rethink what you’re putting into your body every day.

Here are five ways to do a whole body detox naturally.

1. Begin by Drinking More Water

When you’re in the process of doing a whole body detox, you won’t be eating as much food as you usually do. This can cause you to have intense food cravings.

Cut your cravings by drinking more water. Water will make you feel full. It’ll also work wonders for your body when you get adequate amounts.

About 80% of Americans admit they aren’t drinking enough water on a daily basis. Drink it during your detox and continue drinking it when your detox is done to stay hydrated.

2. Cut Sugar and Salt From Your Diet

Most people consume too much sugar and salt as part of their diets. They throw back sugary drinks like fruit juice and soda and chow down on processed foods that are high in sodium.

Too much sugar can cause:

• Weight gain
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Too much salt, meanwhile, can cause:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Stroke

Eliminate as much sugar and salt from your diet as you can during your whole body detox. It won’t be easy to kick a sugar or salt habit, but it’ll make you a healthier person in the end.

3. Work Natural Supplements Into the Mix

There are millions of dollars worth of detox supplements sold in the U.S. every year. They’re designed to help people remove toxins from their bodies during a detox.

Think about how natural supplements might be able to help you complete your detox and make the most of it. These parasite cleansing supplements, for example, can be helpful for those who suspect they might be plagued by parasites.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

Don’t underestimate the power of sleep during a whole body detox! Sleep can rejuvenate both your body and mind and promote healing.

More than 30% of people don’t get enough sleep day in and day out. You’re never going to feel your best if sleep isn’t a big part of your life.

5. Use Natural Body Care Products

Many people focus on what they’re putting into their bodies during detoxes. But it’s every bit as important to consider what you’re putting on your body during a detox, too.

Many soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and other body care products contain harmful chemicals. If you keep using them while you detox, these chemicals can have a negative effect on your health.

Stop using them and opt to use natural body care products instead.

See How Good You Feel After a Whole Body Detox

At the conclusion of a whole body detox, you’ll be blown away by how amazing you look and feel. You’ll want to start leading a healthier lifestyle from then on.

But first, you need to work your way through your detox. By using some of the tips listed here, you can make this a reality. You can also get the best results when you take a natural approach to detox.

Check out our health section to learn more about taking better care of yourself.