Published on: 03 May 2018
Last Updated on: 25 July 2024
When it comes to fitness, you might be your own worst enemy. If it feels like you’re doing everything right, but still not getting the results you want, why are you still sticking to the same routine? There are many ways you might be getting in your own way and getting to the bottom of it starts with honesty. Are you really being honest with yourself when it comes to diet and exercise? Are you diligently tracking these figures—or are you over-obsessing? Too much in either direction can be dangerous.
Here are five ways you might be inhibiting your own fitness and what to do about it:
Not counting every bite if you’re looking to reduce fat. It’s not as simple as calories in, calories out, but sometimes it is. If you’re sticking to a certain caloric intake every day, make sure you count every single bite—and beverage. Alcohol is packed with calories and lowers our inhibitions, which is all part of alcohol’s lethality when it comes to diet goals. Count those calories, but keep in mind that there is an emerging eating disorder in which people “save” calories for alcoholic beverages. It’s been dubbed “drunkorexia”, and can lead to even more dangerous eating disorders.
Getting too obsessed with the scale. Unfortunately, the scale can lie. Like a watched pot, it’s not going to give you what you want if you’re checking it daily—or multiple times per day. Doing so is a slippery slope and can lead to dangerous habits. The scale can only tell you weight, which doesn’t account for muscle or water retention. If you really want some numbers to help guide you on your fitness journey, use a tape measure. Measure the biggest part of your upper arms, the largest part of your chest, the smallest part of your waist, widest part of your hips, and largest part of your thighs and calves. All of these areas, especially the belly, can also fluctuate throughout the day. However, it’s a much safer (and saner) number system than the scale.
You don’t push yourself at your workouts. Many people aren’t honest with themselves when it comes to their workouts. Could you be doing a harder level on the cross ramp? When the spin instructor tells you to empty the engine on a power interval, are you? If you’re working on muscle mass, do you really tap out between eight and twelve reps or could you do more (and increase the weight)? Working with a personal trainer can help you avoid cheats, as can working out in a group setting. It can be too easy to compromise when you always workout solo. Plus, group settings or a personal trainer can bring out your competitive spirit.
Not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain. Since most Americans are chronically fatigued (and overweight) there’s a clear correlation here. One of the best things you can do is get enough rest. This will depend on you and your body, but ideally, you’ll be able to wake up without an alarm. If that isn’t doable, see about squeezing in a power nap mid-day. It’s seemingly one of the easiest ways to keep your weight in check. It also helps you get the most out of your workouts. You can’t give your all when you’re exhausted.
Be realistic with rest days and cheat days. These days don’t mean you can go all-out on a binge. Some people find a cheat meal is safer. Others re-learn how to gauge their fullness. Cheat days can be helpful because they give your body what it’s craving, but it still needs to be in moderation. A rest day doesn’t need to be a complete rest, either. You can go on a walk or take a gentle yoga class. Again, honesty with yourself is key.
If you’re getting in your own way, you’re also the one who can stop it. Pinpoint your biggest struggles and see what you can do to put yourself first.
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Not only is lingering cigarette smoke a nuisance, but it can also be bad for your health. According to experts, smoke on clothes and furniture will still cause damage to the body.
If you have problems with tobacco smells in your home, keep reading for tips on how to get rid of cigarette odors.
How to Get Rid of Cigarette Odors :
Are you moving into a home with cigarette smell? Or are you fed up with the lingering smoke odor that won't go away?
No matter your circumstances, these tips will show you how to remove smoke smell from your house.
White Vinegar on All Fabrics :
If you're in need of a cleaning miracle, try vinegar; it's cheap for such a universal cleaning agent.
Take all pillowcases, sheets, and even mattress covers, and put them all in the washing machine. Next, put one to two cups of vinegar in there and put it on a normal cycle.
You can do this with furniture fabrics that are removable, as well. And place them in the washing machine with everything else.
Once the cycle is over, you should have odorless clothes and fabrics.
Smoke Removal Machine :
You may not have known one of these existed, but here it is.
You can use a cigarette smoke removal machine such as the Villa 1000 to cut smoke odors.
Cigarette smoke removal machines work by using ozone to oxidize and sanitize the air of smoke odors and toxins.
The machine can only be in use while the room is unoccupied, for the safety of the owners.
To use the machine, be sure to close off the area that needs to be cleaned. Run the machine for several hours, in the empty room or house, and allow an hour before reentering the space.
Baking Soda Odor Elimination :
Vinegar isn't the only super cleaner. Baking soda is wonderful when it comes to lifting odors from the furniture.
You can take the baking soda and run it through a sifter, layering every surface. Mattresses, couches, and carpet will be great places to start.
Once you have a thin, white layer on all the areas you want to clean, leave the baking soda to sit for half an hour or more. You can rub the powder into the fabrics to help it clean deep. Don't let it get wet, though.
After it's been there long enough, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the loose baking soda. You can use the baking soda treatment as many times as you need until you no longer smell the smoke odor.
More Tips and Tricks :
Getting rid of smoke odors seems impossible at first, but not anymore. Now that you know how to get rid of cigarette smoke, you can tell your friends exactly what they should do to get rid of odors in their own home.
Do you want more household tips and tricks? Try reading "5 Ways to Make a Big Difference in a Small Room."
Read Also :
How Does Smoking Weed Affect The Society
Do you know why insomnia takes place?
This can happen for many reasons, including unnecessary stress, work pressure, bad health habits, and otherworldly affairs.
Not only that, specific life trauma or incidents like the death or the illness of someone close, married life complications, or even job loss. All these can lead to insomnia.
Sleep plays a vital role in developing your brain and body. It also helps to repair any damaged cells or blood vessels. On the other hand, insomnia or sleeping disorders can deteriorate your body and increase heart attack and stroke risks.
So, insomnia is a condition where people suffer from inadequate or insufficient sleep. And it can turn out to be a real problem if not treated well.
In this article, I’ll illustrate the five magical ways you can deal with insomnia.
Ways To Defeat Insomnia- THE 5 GOLDEN RULES
When life throws you problems, don’t waste your time focusing on the issues. Instead, put your complete attention on achieving the solutions.
Insomnia is a challenge that might try to kneel you down, but through this article, you’ll be getting all the tactics to deal with it in a more innovative and more effective way.
1. Don’t Change Your “Wake Up” Routine
If you are reading this article now, make sure to follow this step. NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!
I know many of you might be wondering, “Do I have to wake up early even during my desired weekends?”
-The answer is ‘YES” if only you want to get rid of insomnia!!!
It can be a tough job, I know, but you need to go through cuts and burns if you want to achieve something.
The reason you must sacrifice your habit of staying late in bed even during your weekends is because you must bring yourself to a routine where you will always have a consistent sleep and waking time.
When you have mastered this technique, you’ll notice that your sleeping disruptions just magically vanished.
2. Wave Goodbyes To Nicotine And Caffeine
If you love smoking cigarettes and drinking deliciously hot and strong midnight coffee, you just must quit it!!!
To heed goodbyes to insomnia, you first must learn to say goodbye to your smoking and caffeine intake addictions.
Caffeine can keep you up late for several hours, and trust me, it’s more than enough to disrupt the “complete sleeping cycle” yours.
It can also awaken you frequently from sleep, resulting in “poor quality sleep.”
Nicotine is also on the same side as caffeine. These, too, result in sleep deprivation!!!
When you smoke a cigarette, it stimulates the effect of nicotine. And this addictive drug can be highly responsible for insomnia. Most smokers take at least one cigarette before going to bed.
And this can have a significant impact on your sleep. So, it will the “golden achievement” of your life if you can quit these habits for good!!!!
3. Cut Down Unnecessary Naps And Increase Exercise
I know naps can refresh your mood. And a few hours of extra sleep can make you feel more energetic. But these naps are also one of the main reasons for sleep disorders.
And do you know why?
This is because napping affects your sleeping patterns. For instance, you are habituated to sleeping at night when the lights are turned off, and it’s quiet. Therefore, your mind knows it’s nighttime, and you have to sleep.
On the other hand, while taking naps, there are no such scenarios where it’s dark and quiet, and even the place where you sleep might be different like you are taking a nap on a couch or sofa. So, the mind eventually disrupts your sleeping pattern because it’s not your regular bedtime.
Undoubtedly, exercise keeps you fit and healthy. But did you know that it also helps you to restore the proper balance of your sleep?
-Yes, exercises help you to get rid of insomnia!!!
But you need to make sure not to perform any exercise immediately before you go to bed. Instead, try to finish it at least two to three hours before going to bed.
4. Make Sure To Be Comfortable And Discard All The Worries When Going To Bed
The environment you are in has a tremendous impact on your sleep. By environment, I mean to say the “place your sleep.”
To have a good sleep, you need to have a mild temperature, a comfortable bed, and no lights should be turned on while you are sleeping. If you have pets, don’t keep them in your room if they make noises at night.
And one of the most essential “golden rules” that you need to keep in mind is “not to sleep with loads of stress in your head.” Stress is temporary, but it can make insomnia permanent.
When you are in bed, discard all the negative thoughts out of your mind. Sleep is like a prayer, and you don’t want any distractions while praying!!!
Stress therapies and methods you can use to have a quality sleep include taking deep breaths, meditating, and many more.
5. Light Therapy Combats Insomnia
LED light therapy or Bright light therapy can also be a cure for sleeping disorders.
This therapy is famous for its ability to reduce depression, stress, and also insomnia.
If you are not getting enough natural light (which is very common among people nowadays), sleep deprivation can occur.
What light therapy does is imitate the light of the sun and helps to improve the circadian rhythm of your body. This light comes out of a box, and different light therapy boxes have additional features.
Make sure to use it for at least 15 to 30 minutes every morning and maintain this routine, and you’ll see drastic results.
Whenever you take a light therapy device, always seek the assistance of a professional doctor as he knows the suitable device for you.
I hope this article will help you know the ins and outs of the 5 ways you can deal with insomnia.
When Do You Need Therapy?
There’s a difference between a bad couple of nights and chronic insomnia. If you can’t seem to get yourself sleeping better even after trying all of the tweaks, then you need some medical intervention.
Especially when you are changing your routine (waking up at the same time every day), eating the right food (no caffeine), exercising, etc.
It is therapy that will be key for getting at the root causes if your sleep issues are more related to stress, trauma, or anxiety in nature. So when does that cross from having an unrewarding few days into something bigger where you should consider this?
Be More Self-Aware
First, ask yourself this question.
Just how long has insomnia been a problem for you?
If it’s been longer than a few weeks and you see no signs of improvement in your sleep quality, that’s not a good sign. Also, pay attention to the overall effect on your daily functioning.
Are you perpetually tired all day, unable to concentrate, or becoming easily irritated?
If so, then it's no doubt starting to affect your mental and physical health; don’t deny it, embrace it.
Dealing With Constant Stress & Anxiety
Another good indicator is how much stress, worry, or anxiety you have about sleep.
Afterall, it is not just during the sleep time that you think about your insomnia. It is always!
Do you get worked up just thinking about going to bed because you believe ‘tonight is going to be another awful night of no sleep!’ – or are your thoughts such as…
‘If I don’t get to sleep in the next 10 minutes, the whole day tomorrow is going to be absolutely horrible’.
Mental exertion alone can be exhausting and only adds fuel to the insomnia fire.
That’s when short-term therapy may be helpful, breaking that mental cycle and having someone who understands what you’re going through, a patient.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is one of the most effective treatments. With medication, you get a temporary fix, but CBT-I works to change the thoughts and behaviors that lead to insomnia. It helps you think about sleep differently and gives you tools to help with anxiety or stress that might be keeping you up.
Your Emotional Relationships
Let’s not forget the emotional side of things. In some cases, insomnia is tied to unprocessed trauma or grief. If you find that your sleep troubles seem to have begun after a traumatic life event or during a time of increased emotional turmoil, that could be a clue that talk therapy might help.
A therapist can guide you through the process of identifying and safely processing those emotions, so they stop interfering with your sleep and with your life in general.
In other words? If your insomnia is starting to cause secondary problems in your life, do yourself a favor.
Read Also:
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits
Ways to Sleep Well at Night as You Age
3 Health Advantages of Good Night’s Sleep
What are Popular Mind and Body Exercises Available at a Gym?
The latest report by the American Cancer Society states that ovarian cancer accounts for 2.5% of cancer cases in women.
The risk of ovarian cancer is dependent upon a number of factors, spanning from genetics, age, lifestyle to environmental factors.
But, certain studies such as the American Cancer Society have discovered a strong link between talcum powder & escalating cases of ovarian cancer worldwide. As per studies, 11.5 in every 100,000 people in the United States of America developed ovarian cancer, from 2010 to 2014.
What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is the rarest form of cancer that affects women’s reproductive mechanisms. This cancer type commences in the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes, connecting the ovaries to the womb.
Ovarian cancer is graded by doctors in terms of stages 1 to 4, which is further determined by tumor size or if cancer has spread outside the ovary.
Finally, the doctor will examine to identify the ovarian cancer type. This depends upon how the cancer cells respond to chemotherapy treatment-how fast they are growing.
The type 1 ovarian cancer grows slowly but doesn't respond to the chemotherapy sessions, whereas the type 2 ovarian cancer develop quickly with chemotherapy.
How Talcum Powder Is Responsible for Ovarian Cancer?
Talcum powder is a common household baby care product widely used. Generally, talc is simply a mineral composed of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. Owing to the talc ability to absorb moisture, it can also be applied to sensitive body areas.
Now, now is the million-dollar question, can talcum powder contribute to ovarian cancer?
What A Recent Study Published in the journal Epidemiology Says:-
To quote the study published in the medical journal Epidemiology, talcum powder can significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer to 33%, especially when used daily.
However, further research work is needed to prove the relation between baby powder and ovarian cancer.
In the meantime, the American Cancer Society did a thorough study investigating the alleged statements against the use of talcum powder. The bottom line of this study suggested limiting the use of cosmetic products that are rich in talc.
Although the overall risk of developing ovarian cancer is low, it is a deadly gynecological cancer. So, it is vital to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer for early detection & diagnosis:-
Common Signs and Symptoms
Lower Abdominal Pain or Pressure
Weight Gain or Weight Loss
Abnormal Periods
Gas, Nausea, or Vomiting
Talcum Powder Lawsuits
In the last couple of years, talcum powder cancer lawsuits are being filled by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide.
Top names of the industry such as Johnson and Johnson are already facing thousands of talcum powder lawsuits and this is expected to increase with each passing year.
Final Takeaway
As with any form of cancer, it is crucial to take the precautions. Avoid the daily use of talcum powder, until we come across a convincing study revealing the clear-cut relation.
In addition, it is essential to understand that everyone’s experience of cancer is distinct.
Anyone with concerns relating to ovarian cancer symptoms, it is a no-brainer to speak to the doctor right away.
Read Also:
Early Symptoms And Signs Of Breast Cancer
Can Breast Augmentation Cause Cancer?
How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer
