42 Benefits of natural health

HEALTH is life

1. Copy your kitty: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up. It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain.

2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, wholewheat toast, and a boiled egg.

3. Brush up on hygiene. Many people don't know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes.

This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don't need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month.

4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain's own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits.

Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental decline.

5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you?

Read: Mind aerobics

6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer.

7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections. Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.

8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you against breast cancer. It’s thought that the antioxidants help protect you from environmental carcinogens such as passive tobacco smoke.

9. Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You need at least 200 milligrams daily, which you should combine with magnesium, or it simply won’t be absorbed.

10. Berries for your belly. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain plant nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival grapes in concentrations of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine that has assumed near mythological proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help protect against heart disease and cancer.

11. Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods containing chillies or cayenne pepper trigger endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Endorphins have a powerful, almost narcotic, effect and make you feel good after exercising. But go easy on the lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat, creamy dishes served in many Indian restaurants.

12. Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal supplements – from the popular St John's Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger, ginseng and feverfew – can cause increased bleeding during surgery, warn surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all medication, including herbal supplements, at least two weeks before surgery, and inform your surgeon about your herbal use.

13. I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The good news is that cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads.

The British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Both contain the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato every other day.

14. Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and small healthy meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled nerves.

Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of serotonin, another feel-good drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out.

15. Load up on vitamin C.We need at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. So hit the oranges and guavas!

16. No folly in folic acid. Folic acid should be taken regularly by all pregnant mums and people with a low immunity to disease. Folic acid prevents spina bifida in unborn babies and can play a role in cancer prevention. It is found in green leafy vegetables, liver, fruit and bran.

17. A for Away. This vitamin, and beta carotene, help to boost immunity against disease. It also assists in the healing process of diseases such as measles and is recommended by the WHO. Good natural sources of vitamin A are kidneys, liver, dairy products, green and yellow vegetables, pawpaw, mangoes, chilli pepper, red sorrel and red palm oil.

18. Pure water. Don’t have soft drinks or energy drinks while you're exercising. Stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water during your workout (just don't overdo things, as drinking too much water can also be dangerous).

While you might need energy drinks for long-distance running, in shorter exercise sessions in the gym, your body will burn the glucose from the soft drink first, before starting to burn body fat. Same goes for eating sweets.

19. GI, Jane. Carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index, such as bread, sugar, honey and grain-based food will give instant energy and accelerate your metabolism. If you’re trying to burn fat, stick to beans, rice, pasta, lentils, peas, soya beans and oat bran, all of which have a low GI count.

20. Mindful living. You've probably heard the old adage that life's too short to stuff a mushroom. But perhaps you should consider the opposite: that life's simply too short NOT to focus on the simple tasks. By slowing down and concentrating on basic things, you'll clear your mind of everything that worries you.

Really concentrate on sensations and experiences again: observe the rough texture of a strawberry's skin as you touch it, and taste the sweet-sour juice as you bite into the fruit; when your partner strokes your hand, pay careful attention to the sensation on your skin; and learn to really focus on simple tasks while doing them, whether it's flowering plants or ironing your clothes.

21. The secret of stretching. When you stretch, ease your body into position until you feel the stretch and hold it for about 25 seconds. Breathe deeply to help your body move oxygen-rich blood to those sore muscles. Don't bounce or force yourself into an uncomfortable position.

22. Do your weights workout first. Experts say weight training should be done first, because it's a higher intensity exercise compared to cardio. Your body is better able to handle weight training early in the workout because you're fresh and you have the energy you need to work it.

Conversely, cardiovascular exercise should be the last thing you do at the gym, because it helps your body recover by increasing blood flow to the muscles, and flushing out lactic acid, which builds up in the muscles while you're weight training. It’s the lactic acid that makes your muscles feel stiff and sore.

23. Burn fat during intervals. To improve your fitness quickly and lose weight, harness the joys of interval training. Set the treadmill or step machine on the interval programme, where your speed and workload varies from minute to minute. Build up gradually, every minute and return to the starting speed. Repeat this routine. Not only will it be less monotonous, but you can train for a shorter time and achieve greater results.

24. Your dirtiest foot forward. If your ankles, knees, and hips ache from running on pavement, head for the dirt. Soft trails or graded roads are a lot easier on your joints than the hard stuff. Also, dirt surfaces tend to be uneven, forcing you to slow down a bit and focus on where to put your feet – great for agility and concentration.

25. Burn the boredom, blast the lard. Rev up your metabolism by alternating your speed and intensity during aerobic workouts. Not only should you alternate your routine to prevent burnout or boredom, but to give your body a jolt.

If you normally walk at 6.5km/h on the treadmill or take 15 minutes to walk a km, up the pace by going at 8km/h for a minute or so during your workout. Do this every five minutes or so. Each time you work out, increase your bouts of speed in small increments.

26. Cool off without a beer. Don’t eat carbohydrates for at least an hour after exercise. This will force your body to break down body fat, rather than using the food you ingest. Stick to fruit and fluids during that hour, but avoid beer.

27. ‘Okay, now do 100 of those’. Instead of flailing away at gym, enlist the help – even temporarily – of a personal trainer. Make sure you learn to breathe properly and to do the exercises the right way. You’ll get more of a workout while spending less time at the gym.

28. Stop fuming. Don’t smoke and if you smoke already, do everything in your power to quit. Don’t buy into that my-granny-smoked-and-lived-to-be-90 crud – not even the tobacco giants believe it. Apart from the well-known risks of heart disease and cancer, orthopaedic surgeons have found that smoking accelerates bone density loss and constricts blood flow. So you could live to be a 90-year-old amputee who smells of stale tobacco smoke. Unsexy.

29. Ask about Mad Aunt Edith. Find out your family history. You need to know if there are any inherited diseases prowling your gene pool. According to the Mayo Clinic, USA, finding out what your grandparents died of can provide useful – even lifesaving – information about what’s in store for you. And be candid, not coy: 25% of the children of alcoholics become alcoholics themselves.

30. Do self-checks. Do regular self-examinations of your breasts. Most partners are more than happy to help, not just because breast cancer is the most common cancer among SA women. The best time to examine your breasts is in the week after your period.

31. My smear campaign. Have a pap smear once a year. Not on our list of favourite things, but it’s vital. Cervical cancer kills 200 000 women a year and it’s the most prevalent form of cancer among black women, affecting more than 30 percent.

But the chances of survival are nearly 100 percent if it’s detected early. Be particularly careful if you became sexually active at an early age, have had multiple sex partners or smoke.

32. Understand hormones. Recent research suggests that short-term (less than five years) use of HRT is not associated with an increase in the risk of breast cancer, but that using it for more than ten years might be. Breast cancer is detected earlier in women using HRT, as they are more alert to the disease than other women.

32. Beat the sneezes. There are more than 240 allergens, some rare and others very common. If you’re a sneezer due to pollen: close your car’s windows while driving, rather switch on the internal fan (drawing in air from the outside), and avoid being outdoors between 5am and 10 am when pollen counts are at their highest; stick to holidays in areas with low pollen counts, such as the seaside and stay away from freshly cut grass.

33. Doggone. If you’re allergic to your cat, dog, budgie or pet piglet, stop suffering the ravages of animal dander: Install an air filter in your home.

Keep your pet outside as much as possible and brush him outside of the home to remove loose hair and other allergens. Better yet, ask someone else to do so.

34. Asthma-friendly sports. Swimming is the most asthma-friendly sport of all, but cycling, canoeing, fishing, sailing and walking are also good, according to the experts.

Asthma need not hinder peak performance in sport. 1% of the US Olympic team were asthmatics – and between them they won 41 medals.

35. Deep heat. Sun rays can burn even through thick glass, and under water. Up to 35% of UVB rays and 85% of UVA rays penetrate thick glass, while 50% of UVB rays and 75% of UVA rays penetrate a meter of water and wet cotton clothing.

Which means you’ll need sunscreen while driving your car on holiday, and water resistant block if you’re swimming.

36. Fragrant ageing. Stay away from perfumed or flavoured suntan lotions which smell of coconut oil or orange if you want your skin to stay young. These lotions contain psoralen, which speeds up the ageing process. Rather use a fake-tan lotion. Avoid sun beds, which are as bad as the sun itself.

37. Sunscreen can be a smokescreen. Sunscreen is unlikely to stop you from being sunburned, or to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. That’s because most people don’t apply it properly, and stay in the sun too long.

The solution? Slather on sunscreen daily and reapply it often, especially if you’ve been in the water. How much? At least enough to fill a shot glass.

38. Laugh and cry. Having a good sob is reputed to be good for you. So is laughter, which has been shown to help heal bodies, as well as broken hearts. Studies in Japan indicate that laughter boosts the immune system and helps the body shake off allergic reactions.

39. It ain’t over till it’s over. End relationships that no longer work for you, as you could be spending time in a dead end. Rather head for more meaningful things. You could be missing opportunities while you’re stuck in a meaningless rut, trying to breathe life into something that is long gone.

40. Sugar-coated. More than three million South Africans suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the incidence is increasing – with new patients getting younger. New studies show this type of diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome (X Syndrome), which includes high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.

More than 80% of type 2 diabetics die of heart disease, so make sure you control your glucose levels, and watch your blood pressure and cholesterol counts.

41. Relax, it’s only sex. Stress and sex make bad bedfellows, it seems. A US survey showed that stress, kids and work are main factors to dampen libido. With the advent of technology that allows us to work from home, the lines between our jobs and our personal lives have become blurred.

People work longer hours, commutes are longer and work pervades all aspects of our lives, including our sexual relationships. Put nooky and intimacy on the agenda, just like everything else.

42. Good night, sweetheart. Rest heals the body and has been shown to lessen the risk of heart trouble and psychological problems.

brought to you by ; Stephen Lemmy 

email; steevanebrown@gmail.com

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8 Questions Couples Should Ask Each Other To Get To Know Themselves Better

Regardless of to what extent you have been together with someone, you can never really learn everything about that ‘someone’ you love. When you are in a serious relationship with someone for quite some time, no matter if it’s a long distance one, if you are happy and settled in that relationship, it once in a while feels as though you and your partner have talked about everything there is and know everything there is to know about each. I mean, all the long-term couples would agree with the fact that they have gone through a time where they literally feel like they have “nothing to talk about”.

The couple has talked about their interests, hobbies, what they like and don’t like, they have definitely talked about their childhood, about their dreams, about how they want their future to be and the list goes on. But there still is a lot to know about each other, some really important stuff that a couple should go through.

Now if you ever come across this “nothing to talk about” point in your relationship, it does not really mean that you have run out of things to talk about, it’s just that you are not seeing an ocean of questions in front of you left to ask each other that will actually make your understanding of each other even better.

So rather than watching a football match or a TV program tonight, decide to improve your bond with your loved one through simple conversation. The following questions will help!

1. Do you really feel respected and adored?

Now, obviously you adore your partner, right? And he or she most likely knows it as well. But there is a very big difference between having the capacity to explain the emotions and to feel them with a power so strong that you can’t even clarify in words. By asking your girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband if they really feel loved around you, you are basically welcoming them to tell you about the things you do and say that make them feel protected, give them a sense of peace and desire. And similarly, you are asking that they help you improve as a partner, as what you should and should not do.

The next thing is respect. The couple can be frank about everything and even mess around with each other but there is a fine line of respect that should never be crossed. Your partner may even ignore a thing you said that offended them, but they can get hurt and you definitely don’t want that to happen if you are trying to strengthen your relationship for the long term. So, go on and ask them if they are getting the right amount of respect they deserve from you or not.

One important thing to remember here is that you have got to listen to every word they have to say and you should not take their censure personally or permit it to influence you negatively. Anyone can be a great partner but the thing is that we need to accept the fact that we are not flawless in every way.

2. What’s on your “future goals” list?

Yeah, it can somewhat be a morbid question but let’s face it, nobody is immortal and the capacity to talk openly about this and guarantee that you two are in an agreement as far as your life goals go, will just unite you. A relationship and behaviour expert named, April Masini, once said that the couples can be as one for quite a long time and still not know everything about each other. April Masini gives relationship counsel on her Ask April exhortation segment.
Now, on the off chance that you don’t ask this question, you will simply never know, and any item on that list not accomplished on the grounds that it wasn’t clear or known, is a remorse you should not have. Yes, you can just say no to a certain item from that list but trust me, it’s really better to recognize what your partner truly needs to do in this lifetime. And also, it gives you a chance to share your “goals” list with them too.

3. How would you like to say ‘Goodbye’ to this World?

Once more, it is really important to move beyond the thought that death is awful or a negative or even that one can avoid it. It’s a characteristic period of life and a casual conversation about it will help you both know how you wish to be dealt with and took care of when the time comes. (The comprehension here is that you are moving in the direction of turning into a couple that stays together forever).

This all appears to be macabre, however in the event that you are in a long haul relationship, and you have never had this conversation or had the chance to, in light of the fact that you’ve never had a guardian or cherished one pass away, it will be a beneficial discussion to have. This is a pretty important question and if not asked, you will never know whether somebody needs extraordinary measures taken to keep them alive, needs no extreme measures or needs to stay away from a doctor’s facility no matter what.

Just asking this opens up what appears like a horrible discussion, however is an extremely adoring and personal approach to become more acquainted with each other and feel nearer.

4. What makes you feel most uncomfortable in life?

Now this is a pretty straightforward and a simple question to ask your spouse or partner. You might even know some of the stuff that makes them feel uncomfortable or freak out like things not going well at home, or seeing your kids sick and etc.

Yet, there could be some things that you don’t know like a distressing event from their past that you aren’t mindful of. By talking about this, sharing your past experiences and by gaining an insight into your everyday life events that cause you both stress will help you know why does this happen. For instance, your partner is constantly irritable just before he or she takes off the way to work.

So you need to ask them as to what annoys them the most and how you can help.

5. How can I help you become a great parent?

It is quite common if you feel a bit insecure about your parenting capabilities. It is something we can blame on having a huge amount of obligations, insufficient time to share with family and well, being human. Sadly, we sometimes fall into the trap of censuring our partners for not doing what is needed without considering that it is so frightful to have your life partner chasten you for poor child rearing abilities.

Make your partner believe that you have their back (he or she should also be there for you) by asking what you can do to offer assistance. Maybe it is as simple as just giving 15 to 20 minutes to just calm down and relax when he or she returns home from work before he or she hops in and plays with the children (which can, thus, give YOU 15 to 20 minutes to relax in return).

6. What do you want to do for your Birthday this time?

Alright now, don’t worry, you can ask some “not so heavy” questions as well. Some of you might say that this question, “what do you want to do for you birthday”, appears to be so dull but according to April Masini, a relationship expert, it’s a standout amongst the most examined issues on my relationship exhortation gathering. The wrong present for a birthday, or any other special event like anniversary or Christmas, creates a mountain of discussion you don’t want to have.

For instance, let’s suppose you got something good natured, like a lovely watch can turn into the start of a battle. There is a big chance of you getting questions like, ‘we can’t manage the cost of this, what makes you think you can purchase something this costly without discussion’, and so forth. A lot of times couples will go through years of terrible presents and sick sentiments since they never have a conversation about what they need, and how it influences the other individual. She might continue purchasing him wool sweaters, when all he’d truly want is a road trip or camping. He might continue purchasing roses for her birthdays, when she’d much rather have the capacity to skip Christmas at his mom’s home only one year.

Pose the question, get the discussion going and enhance your relationship.

7. If you could change something about me, what would it be?

Again, it is a simple question that you can ask your partner. The good thing about this question is that it allows the two to be compassionate with one another. Yes, the couple loves each other and loves everything about each other but there always is something, like something you say or do that annoys the other. It can be a certain habit like throwing wet towels on the bed or the dirty socks and etc. Now these things may seem little but a person can get annoyed and have a reaction that leads to an argument you don’t want to have.

So to avoid that, sit and talk about the things you want to change in your partner. I’m sure there won’t be much but working on these little things can definitely strengthen your relationship.

8. What do I do when I get angry or disagree?

This one question is a bit different from the other ones as each partner will have to ask this question from themselves and then answer out loud. The other partner only has to listen.

According to a psychologist named, Fran Walfish; the main deciding element for a sound and enduring relationship is handling the conflicts efficiently. This all incorporates listening without intrusion, being willing to examine the problems, accepting the difference in opinions and planning the solutions together.

This was a list of a couple of intimate questions that you should ask your partner, now obviously there can be other important questions as well, but this was to give you an idea about how you can improve and strengthen your relationship just by sitting with your loved one and talking.

Sharing time and talking is really important, it may not seem that significant and you might reach that “nothing to talk about” point but remember, there always is something you can ask and share with your partner and, believe me; it will turn out to be really worthwhile for the both of you.

So, are you going to ask your partner these questions? Let us know!

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9 signs You’re With a Real and Faithful Man

All girls have their own idea of the perfect man- the kind of man they hope to find one day, the man they can spend their entire lives with. So some girls will prefer tall guys, some prefer short. Some want a guy who they can have fun with, while others just want someone to share their deepest darkest side with. But no matter what kind of physical attributes or personality traits you prefer, one thing that remains an essential requirement for all girls is ‘loyalty’ and there are no two opinions about this!

So if you want to assure yourself of your man’s loyalty, look out for the following signs in him:

1. Intimacy isn’t just 20 minutes under the sheets

You know that guy who doesn’t really have much to talk about, won’t ever plan out any unique romantic dates for you and the only time you’ve ever seen him happy and excited beside you is when you’re getting intimate. And the minute that’s over, when he’s done what he was here for in the first place, he’ll return to being the cold, disinterested person that he is.
Yeah, I’m sure you remember him but your current man is nothing like that! He doesn’t just want to fast forward everything to an hour in the bedroom and even when he does, it’s followed up by even more love and affection. An hour of intimacy is usually followed up by an entire night of cuddles and long talks.

2. You have an all access pass to his house

No one likes interruptions in their life and no one wants to grant permanent and unrestricted authorisation to their one safe haven to just anyone they meet. So if your partner was confident enough to hand you a copy of their apartment’s keys without you even asking for them, then this is a sure shot sign of their loyalty towards you.

3. He remembers to call and text you at the most random times

He’s been really busy all day at work. You don’t even expect him to take the time out just to talk to you, but that’s exactly what he does! In the middle of everything, when he’s buried in work from head to toe and tensions are running high, he’ll remember to let you know that he’s thinking of you. It can be a simple message or just a 2 minute call but he won’t end a day without talking to you, at least once.

4. You’re the only person he has eyes for

Now we’re not saying you should go all crazy judging him for this one point. Sure, he will notice the people around you, he’ll even joke with you about that really hot girl from across the table just to see you get a little jealous. But when all is said and done, when all the fun and games are over, and when he’s sitting across from you with his eyes fixed, just listening intently to what you’re saying, you’ll feel so sure about the fact that he’s never looked at another girl the way he looks at you.

5. He’s told his friends all about you

He doesn’t panic at the sight of his college friends when you guys run into them at a random party, he doesn’t introduce you to the people around him as a new friend he made, he doesn’t avoid putting up a Snapchat story with you just to hide your secret romance and he definitely does not feel any shame in admitting his feelings about you openly, at least to the people who matter to him.

His friends know absolutely everything about you, from how you guys met to how you managed to make him fall head over heels in love with you.

6. He doesn’t mind doing anything for you

He doesn’t have old-fashioned and discriminatory views about gender roles. He won’t mind cooking up an amazing dinner for your date night or helping you change your sheets. And when you’re having the laziest day and feel like doing absolutely nothing, he’ll be around to help you complete all your work.

7. He’s interested in anything and everything about you

He doesn’t want to find just this one common hobby or interest that you both share and then work out all of your conversations and free time around that one thing. No, that’s not how he goes about this relationship! He takes a genuine interest in all of your likes and dislikes and wants to know all the deepest, darkest thoughts you have in that beautiful mind of yours.

8. He has nothing to hide

He doesn’t have a passcode on his phone and he won’t give a second thought to leaving his phone with you for any reason at all. And this one time when you needed to see some pictures from his Facebook account, he didn’t hesitate for a single second before giving you his password. Now it’s not like you’re some psycho stalker who’ll take these opportunities to go through all of his personal conversations, but it feels nice to know that even if you did, he wouldn’t have anything to hide.

Also read:

9. He never takes you for granted

In all this time that you’ve been together, you’ve always felt like a priority to him and not just an option. If you already made plans together on the same day that his friend has decided to throw a party, he won’t ditch on you last minute. If he has to make an important life decision, your opinion will be a major contributing factor. And if you ever reach a point where life just stops making sense, when you just stop being happy, and when you can’t help but be a little irritated with everyone you meet, he’ll know how to make you feel better, how to bring you back to life. Because ladies, this one guy is right here for you in the good times as well as the bad.

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5 Reasons why Long-distance will make your Relationship Stronger

Alot of studies have showed that long-distance relationships are probably the toughest kind of relationships, the ones that actually require you to give in every single thing you’ve got, the ones that can turn you into the one of the most frustrated people on the planet and the ones that can actually make you start questioning your sanity at times where you just can’t begin to understand why you ever agreed to put yourself though this.

But at the end of the day, when all is said and done, when all your heart and soul has been put into this one part of your life, you will know and be proud of the fact that your relationship has come out a lot stronger and has become more resilient than an average relationship could ever be.

Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Trust is an essential part of your relationship from the very start

You’re living miles away. You can’t even meet each other every week, let alone every day. The only access you have to their everyday life is what and how much they will tell you about it. And they are the only source that can explain and help you understand their relationships with all the different people in their life.

So the moment you agree to being in a long-distance relationship with them, you are essentially agreeing to trust them about every single aspect of their life, to trust that they’ll always tell you the complete and honest truth and to put your faith in the fact that this person you’re willing to do so much for won’t cheat or hurt you, even when you’re not there to keep a check on them.

2. You learn to appreciate your partner more

It really, really sucks to live so far away. You will have some horrible days when the only thing you feel like doing is to run away from this life of yours and just go hide yourself in their arms. You’ll be willing to do just about anything only to see them once, to feel the warmth of their skin against yours for just a single moment.

And this is exactly the reason why when you’ll finally get this one person that you had desired for so long, when you’ll finally get to hug them tight and spend your entire day with them doing the most random stuff, you’ll learn to appreciate all of it even more. You’ll value each and every minute that you have together and there will rarely come a point in your relationship where you’ll start taking things for granted.

3. You get to have more actual conversations

When you’re in a long distance relationship, the only way to take your relationship further, to actually get to know your partner better and to maintain a constant connection with them is through technology where the most you can do is to sit from across a screen just to look at their face and talk to them for as much time as you possibly can.

So the greater part of your relationship’s strength will actually rely on the conversations you share, not on the amount of physical intimacy that you can enjoy together. And while you talk endlessly on the phone for hours, you’ll see the topics range from how your day was to what your deepest fears have been. In between all the meaningful conversations you’ll share, you’ll come to realize that there is so much more to your relationship than just physical attraction.

4. It’s a chance to test the foundation of your relationship

In those long days, weeks and even months of waiting just to meet each other again, one thing will definitely become very clear- whether this actually is ‘it’, whether this person that you’re going crazy about really is worth it. When you are apart for so long, you get the opportunity to reflect rationally upon your relationship without getting swayed by how incredibly sexy your partner looks or how your heart starts beating so much faster the minute they even hold your hand.

A lot of things come into perspective and you have a strong realization of what your relationship is really based upon.

5. You know if your love can last this long distance, it can last almost anything in the world

Not every person in the world can handle the complications and stress of being in a long distance relationship. And if you’re one of those few people who have been managing to take it further for so long, if you still love your partner as much as the very first day even while staying apart for such long periods, then there’s no problem in this world that you two can’t solve together!

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Are you in a long-distance relationship? How do you manage it? Let us know in the comments below!

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Reasons your relationship may be suffering

1. Assuming someone else in them

Don't forget why you fell in love with them in the first place. Do not try to make them someone they’re not and do not try to find someone else in them. So you had a rough breakup and you kind of miss the good things your ex did for you, DO NOT make your better half do those things and DO NOT expect them do be like them. Love them for who they are.

2. One lie affects it all

Lying is never the best thing, a minute lie to do something good is alright but remember that it always finds a way to get found out. Be real with your partner, if you’ve made a mistake just confess it out. If you lie about one thing, you’re going to have to lie about another thing to protect the first lie and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by a fortress of lies and it does not take an army to break.

3. Been around them

Your presence is very important to your partner. Always be there in their endeavours, their accomplishments, their failures, never be absent during their ups and downs. As soon as you stop being there, they’ll stop expecting you to be there, and then the distance will increase. Always be just a call or text away.

4. Some relationships just don’t work out

If you’re doing everything right and you still feel like it’s not the same as it used to be, don’t blame yourself for it. Some relationships are just not meant to be. As hard as this might be to read, not everything in life is meant to be. Some things are better off left alone than to waste the rest of your energy and still be empty inside. 

5. Lack of Communication

This is one of the biggest reasons for people to start disagreeing on things day by day. Never, and I mean NEVER, let a communication gap develop between the two of you. A healthy relationship requires a healthy amount of talking, back and forth. Show a keen interest in what they have to say and make them hear about your side of the story in return. This is one of the easiest things to do and one of the easiest things to lose as well.

6. Much Expectations

The squabbling and fighting increases when you start expecting a little too much from your partner. Expecting from your better half is a very normal part of a relationship but never test them on it. Make sure to keep your expectations realistic and not to burden them with the things they can’t do.

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29 Habits You Need to Break Before Turning 30 |READ|

29 Habits You Need to Break Before Turning 30

Most of us spend our 20s figuring sh*t out: our careers, our relationships, ourselves. And we're going to make plenty of mistakes along the way.
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That’s more than OK—no one's perfect. Plus, mistakes build character. As someone recently told me, “Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.”
But as I edge toward 30, I've started to want to do more things right and fewer things wrong. Maybe now's the time to start thinking of life as less of a big, messy experiment and more of a strategic game to be played.
After reflecting on my own experiences, reading books and articles about others', and listening to advice from some very wise people, I came up with 29 habits that probably aren’t doing us any favors. While they may not be the worst things you could do, holding onto them could be holding you back from the relationships, career, health, and happiness you deserve.
I’m still trying to break plenty of them myself—it's definitely a learning process. The good news? No matter what age you are, there’s no time like the present to start letting go of certain habits so you can keep crushing it in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

29 Habits to Kick

1. Flaking out on plans with friends.

If you agree to brunch or dinner with a friend, don’t cancel a few hours beforehand—unless you have a super valid reason. Stressed and exhausted? That’s an even better reason to keep your plans. Research shows hanging out with a friend can boost your mood and decrease stress. (Caveat: If the friend in question is dragging you down, maybe it’s time to break ties completely—which doesn’t mean rescheduling and cancelling all over again.)

2. Spending too much money on cheap clothes.

The tank tops and ripped jeans at Forever21 are tempting, but blowing $200 on a pile of clothes you’ll only wear once or twice isn’t a good way to spend your paycheck. Invest in some higher-quality items (and I don’t mean designer) that’ll last you way longer. You may actually start to enjoy getting dressed, while saving money in the long run.

3. Obsessing over online dating.

So the person you’ve been chatting with for three weeks still hasn’t asked you out? He or she probably isn’t going to. Accept it, move on, and look up from your phone—you can talk to the cute guy or girl in the coffee shop. Also, let's stop chasing after people who speak in a virtual monotone, giving only one-word answers. There are plenty of people out there who are a lot more fun to talk to.

4. Being too afraid to ask for a raise.

A 2015 study found that almost 60 percent of workers don’t ask for a raise, mainly because they felt uncomfortable asking. We all need to work hard to prove our worth, but we should also be paid what we deserve. Asking for a raise (that you've truly earned) isn't that scary—here’s some advice that’ll help you feel prepared and calm your nerves.

5. Skimping on skin care.

Yeah, you should wash your face at night. No, you shouldn’t pick at your pimples (unless you’re doing it the doctor-approved way). While you don’t have to pay up for special facials or laser treatments, you should invest in some high-quality products that are right for your skin (and use sunscreen every day).

6. “Forgetting” to call older relatives.

Your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other older and wiser relatives deserve to hear your voice every so often. Stop making excuses to put it off until tomorrow. Pick up the phone, ask how they are, and tell them what’s new in your life. Not only will you make their day, but chances are, you’ll also feel better in the process.

7. Overusing the word “sorry.”

No need to apologize for responding to a text two hours later. Or for staying in on a Friday to save some money and get some sleep. The more I read about our culture's apology epidemic, the more it irks me when I hear "sorry" tossed around in casual conversation. We could all stand to cut back. Bonus: When you do need to apologize, saying sorry will carry more significance.

8. Feeling guilty for your success.

If you land an amazing new job or start a business, something weird may happen: People might put you down. It sounds cliché, but odds are, they’re jealous or feeling insecure. Don't let this make you feel bad, embarrassed, or apologetic about your success. Own it and forget the haters. The good people in your life—the ones who build you up and offer support—will be nothing but happy for you.

9. Staying with a partner who makes you feel anything less than awesome.

We know it's not always sunshine and rainbows; inevitably, there will be bumps in the road. (Here's how to tell if your doubts are deal breakers or totally normal.) But overall, your partner should make you feel happy, secure, beautiful, and loved—and if those feelings haven’t surfaced in a long time, it may be time to rethink the partnership.

10. Taking “no” for an answer without trying again.

There are going to be things you can’t do anything about (and that’s an important lesson in itself). But when it comes to issues you really care about—at work, in your relationship, anywhere—don’t just accept the first “no” that someone gives you. Ask again, backed with a reasonable argument and without complaining. You never know ’til you ask (again), right?

11. Not saving money.

Whether it’s a 401(k), IRA, or savings account, socking away cash is one of the smartest things a 20-something can do, experts say. In your 20s, aim to save 10 to 15 percent of your paycheck; in your 30s, try to put 15 to 25 percent in your savings account. Set up a monthly automatic transfer to make it easy, and check out these 94 painless ways to save more money.

12. Not cleaning your shower until it’s covered in mold.

It’s gross, and it’s not that hard to clean. (I found a toothbrush works wonders on shower tiles.) Same goes for not dusting until dust bunnies take over or not washing your sheets until they start to smell bad.

13. Arguing with your parents.

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14. Smoking (or tanning)—at all.

These are two of the worst things you can do for your health. There’s no excuse. Social smoking is still smoking, and a base tan still counts as sun damage. Need help quitting? Here are some useful tips.

15. Waiting around for The One.

It's tempting to swipe endlessly on apps, but if you’re not actually open to giving someone a chance (even if they don't look like the guy or gal of your dreams), then you’re not going to find someone. Newsflash: Soul mates aren’t a real thing, so stop waiting for the face of your future partner to magically appear.

16. Not pursuing something you love.

Reading, writing a blog, knitting, doing Zumba—whatever it is, don’t let someone’s judgment stop you from pursuing your passions. Set aside the time for the things you love and consider marking it on your calendar so you’ll actually do it.

17. Constantly running late.

This is a tough one to work on resolving—trust me, I know. But if you can nail the whole being-on-time thing, you’ll be well on your way to a better, less stressful life.

18. Checking your phone at the dinner table.

Whether you’re with friends, a date, or your family, it’s not cool. Whatever is so intriguing on your phone can wait. And texting while driving? Really not cool. Seriously, stop.

19. Living vicariously through social media.

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Amazing vacations, gorgeous homes, and luxurious clothes—Instagram is full of major life #goals. A little peek can be motivating, but the more you absorb other people’s lives, the worse it can make you feel about your own. Don’t let scrolling be your only escape. Put down the phone and make things happen in your own life that make you feel (almost) as glamorous, whether it’s whipping up a green smoothie, visiting a museum, or planning a weekend trip.

20. Sending regrettable texts after 2 a.m.

Let's be honest: Doing anything past 2 a.m. is probably not the best idea. But sending nonsensical texts to that person you’re seeing or phone-bombing your ex isn’t good for anyone.

21. Never (like, ever) exercising.

We’re not talking running a marathon or punishing yourself with heavy weights. If you think you hate working out, find something you love. With the massive amount of fitness trends out there today, we promise it’s possible to find a workout (from barre to yoga to P90x to dance cardio) that you actually look forward to doing. And you don’t need a gym to get fit—these bodyweight workouts prove it.

22. Complaining about getting older.

Thirty is not old. So stop saying it is. People are living longer than ever these days—into our 80s, 90s, and beyond—so you easily have at least 50 more years to live it up. And not to be morbid, but celebrating your 30th birthday is a lot better than the alternative.

23. Never buying groceries.

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24. Saying yes to a second date you don’t want to go on.

There’s no law that says you have to go out with that person again. If you find yourself dreading a second go-round or would simply prefer to stay home and binge-watch Netflix rather than see him or her, that's totally fine. (Note: If you're unsure or just didn't feel a spark right off the bat, it could be worth another try.)

25. Skipping doctor appointments.

Especially skin checks with your dermatologist or check-ups with your PCP or OB/GYN. See your dentist twice per year, and other doctors as often as needed. Don’t put it off—it could save your life, after all.

26. Blacking out.

We’re all for happy hours, rowdy birthday dinners, and epic nights out in general. But it’s really scary—and unsafe—to wake up one morning without remembering how you got home the night before. (Here’s what really happens to your brain when you black out.)

27. Fighting with your siblings over small stuff.

They’re your flesh and blood. And they’re likely the ones who’ll help you cope and deal with the loss of a parent or other family member. While you may have disagreements—and some major dramas—we'd all be wise to let the little things go.

28. Not giving back to others.

Even if it’s not a consistent thing, make time to volunteer. Serve food at a shelter, mentor a child in need, visit folks in the hospital, or try any of these ways to give back (that don't involve writing a check). It will help put your life in perspective and make you realize that even your worst days really aren’t that bad.

29. Waiting for “real life” to start.

This is it. Check in with yourself about your hopes, dreams, and goals on the reg, and if you haven’t asked yourself lately what kind of life you really want to live, do it today. Then start living it.

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