Love bombing, which is a popular term nowadays, is a type of emotional abuse. A love bomber uses grand gestures to manipulate the other person, i.e. they adorn the other person with gifts, compliments, and affection. The unfortunate reality is that these actions do not come from a place of love. Instead, love bombing is a technique that someone uses to make a friend, partner, or loved one dependent on them, which helps them control the relationship. 

Why Do People Love Bomb?

Psychologists theorize that love bombing comes from insecurities around trust or dependence on others. The idea is that if one person love bombs another person, they can gain control in the relationship. They then use that control to make the other person feel guilty about questioning their actions. Love bombing can be both intentional and unintentional and even though it is more common among romantic partners, anyone can do it. That said, it is a manipulative tactic that is more common in people with narcissistic personality disorder. Love bombing can also be a behavior that you learn, especially if you emulate parents or have done it in past relationships.

What Are The Signs Of Love Bombing?

Although the signs can vary from person to person, the typical indicator is an unwanted grand gesture that may make the other person uncomfortable. The key thing to note is that this gesture doesn’t make the person feel loved. Other signs of love bombing can include:

• Constant calling or texting to check in: The partner may not respect the other person’s schedule or time by constantly communicating. They may also get angry or frustrated if the other person doesn’t respond, given their “concern.”
• Giving unnecessary or unwanted gifts: A love bomber will usually pay for extravagant/unwanted gifts to make the other person feel loved. The gift giving is not in the other person’s best interest, and the love bomber will bring up the cost/significance of the gifts like a debt. 
• Over-the-top declarations of love: A love bomber may continuously flatter or shower the other person with praise, and usually way too early into the relationship. Over-the-top public displays of affection are common as well. 
• Constant praise or compliments: The right things are seemingly said, but compliments are typically an over-exaggeration. A love bomber may become overly interested in the other person’s hobbies or achievements. 
• Ignoring boundaries: It’s very common for a love bomber to respect healthy boundaries. They do not like being told no, similar to a child. If the behavior starts to overwhelm the other person and they communicate it to the lover bomber, the feelings are usually ignored. 
• Rushing into a relationship: Love bombers usually make future plans way too early into relationships. They tend to rush into committed relationships before getting to know the other person. 

Why Is Love Bombing Harmful?

As we have covered thus far, love bombing does not indicate a healthy individual or relationship. The behavior is manipulative and emotionally abusive, which is why some experts cite love bombing a mode of domestic abuse. Some experts believe that love bombing is a way for someone to gaslight their partner in order to isolate and control them. As a reaction, the person on the receiving end of the love bombing will likely experience mental health issues and remain in that unhealthy relationship. If love bombing persists, the emotional abuse can worsen and even become physical. Love bombing often includes the following modes of a narcissistic abuse cycle. 

• Idealization: The love bomber showers the other person with gifts and affection early on in the relationship. There may be feelings of sudden romance or intense love/caring. The love bomber will confess their love for the other person and what their future plans are. This constant communication and interest seems genuine, but it often isn’t.
• Devaluation: All of the grand gestures and compliments can make the person on the receiving end of the love bombing very comfortable. Gaining that comfort level can cause the love bomber to demand more of the other person’s time. They become irritated if they don’t get what they want and may attempt to gaslight or become violent. That is when the person should notice the red flags and get out of the relationship. 
• Discarding: If the person realizes that the love bomber’s behavior is unhealthy, confront them and try to establish boundaries. The love bomber may retaliate, refusing to cooperate. They may even go so far as to blame the other person for their actions, making them feel at fault. It’s also possible for the love bomber to move on and find a new replacement partner. 

The Takeaway

To conclude, love bombing is a manipulative tactic that is common among people with narcissistic personality disorder. It’s a tactic to gain control in a relationship, often to make the other person feel dependent on that person. Love bombing happens quickly, so be on the lookout for this unhealthy behavior early on in the relationship.

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Cologne can be hit or miss. It is a very common gift for men, especially fathers who enjoy wearing cologne or aftershave. Due to personal preference and powerful or varying scents, picking the right cologne can be tricky. Not to mention, most commercial colognes contain synthetic fragrances, which can include carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxins, and more harmful substances. 

Making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils ensures a product that you can use safely and confidently. Don’t worry, because essential oil colognes will not make you smell awful, or like you just stepped out of a wild animal’s cave. In fact, the cologne recipes in this article may help you smell like freedom, the wild, and volcanos. Well, to each their own regarding the scents!

Some Cologne Notes

It is helpful to understand a few notes before you mix up your essential oil blends. You need to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it is also the quickest to fade. That leaves you with the next lasting scent, the middle class. Finally, the bass class is the scent that lasts the longest. A general formula is 10-15% for the top note, 25-30% for the middle note, and 55-65% for the base note. You can adjust the ratios any way you please, but that is simply a suggested starting place.

Nightlife

Getting ready to have a night on the town? Apply this gentlemanly blend that has notes of citrus with a perfectly earthy smell of vetiver. Researchers state that the essential oils in this blend help to support immune function and promote positive feelings. The recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver essential oil (base note)

Earthy 

Crave the smell of the woods? This simple blend is great to apply for any time of day, as it helps you smell like a flannel-wearing, ax-yielding lumberjack. Frankincense and copaiba are great for reducing stress and anxiety, making this a great workday cologne. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba essential oil (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

Outdoorsy

This is the go-to blend for anyone who loves the outdoors. Because this blend contains cedarwood essential oil, you’ll smell like you lathered yourself in pine trees. Don’t worry, though, because it has a citrusy zest, giving this blend a refreshingly manly scent. This recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 3 drops of basil essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir essential oil (base note)

Office

Great to wear during the workday, this blend of essential oils has beautiful notes of citrus and the woods. The essential oils help to ground your emotions, balance the mood, stimulate the brain, and promote focus. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of wild orange essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

How To Make DIY Cologne

This is an easy method for a homemade spray cologne using the above essential oil blends. To make the spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle, the essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and witch hazel. 

Instructions:

• In a two-ounce glass spray bottle, combine the essential oils and 1/2 tsp of vegetable glycerin.
• Top off the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well. 
• Spray on the chest, wrist, or neck when ready to use and make sure to shake before each use.

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How many times do you or people you know swipe right, swipe left, or initiate a conversation with a person you find attractive? Are there certain things that make one person more attractive to you than others? Researchers and psychologists agree that a person’s personal experiences and biology can explain why the heart wants what it wants. That may also explain why one person’s looks or persona may turn someone on and turn another person off. 

Attraction isn’t just about a smile that makes your knees weak or a sense of humor that melds with your own. Culture and values, certain life experiences, biology, and evolution all influence who you are attracted to and why. Experts agree that there are five, largely universal elements of attraction. We are going to explain what the experts say about turn-ons and turn-offs below.

Proximity

Familiarity can often breed attraction, which is why it is common for people to start out as friends and before getting romantically involved. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, because you may just bump into the same person at the gym or coffee shop. The more you grow fond of that person, the more likely you are to be attracted to them. Think of this like listening to a song: the more you listen to it, the catchier it becomes.

Similarity

What you have in common with someone can often influence your attraction. You may share the same level of education, interests, looks, and goals with a person, but you don’t have to share all of these things in common for that spark to ignite. Is it convenient if you share the same passion for Thai food and have similar interests in music? Sure, but recent research shows that you may be drawn to people like you because your shared attributes reflect something deeper. Some researchers say this connection is strong because you both see things the same way, and that can be very attractive. That’s not to say that you have to agree on everything, because disagreeing is often healthy. 

Reciprocity

Are you more likely to find someone attractive if you feel that they like you? This is the concept of reciprocity, but if that factor fades, so too can the relationship. When you put a lot of effort into something and receive nothing in return, it then becomes less meaningful. In the case of a relationship, that flame can die out and attraction fades. 

Physical Attractiveness

Not everything comes down to how you think someone looks. Physical attractiveness can change across cultures, generations, and even in individuals at different stages in life, or points in a relationship. What’s on the outside does play a role in how attracted you are to another person, though. Sociologists suggest that physical attractiveness matters from an evolutionary standpoint. Appearance, scent, and even sound may give you insight to a person’s age and health. One review of studies found that people can accurately detect characteristics from cooperativeness to body size in a potential partner only from hearing their voice. 

Responsiveness

Some people like to play hard to get, while others like to respond immediately. One controlled experiment found that people who were less responsive were rated as less attractive. You may not need to respond to someone instantaneously, but maybe don’t wait two days to respond to a text. People are on their phones regularly, so the excuse, “Sorry, I’m just seeing this,” may not be a great indicator of your or the other person’s character. 

Biology Plays A Role

What turns you on may not turn on another person, even if that person is your best friend. Some preferences seem to be hardwired over millennia of human evolution. Researchers looked at surveys of more than 14,000 people across 45 countries. They found that men prefer physically attractive, younger partners, while women prefer older, financially stable partners. That is even true in cultures with more gender equality. 

Regarding men, the emphasis on looks and youth may reflect an evolutionary desire to pass on genes. A woman’s higher premium on wealth may be related to an evolutionary need for support during childbearing years. Before birth control, it is likely that women spent most of their reproductive years either pregnant or lactating. Those things require a lot of human resources, regarding food, time, and energy. More research on this topic is still necessary, especially surrounding dating preferences in the LGBTQ+ community.

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Fiber is an essential component to a healthy, balanced diet. You’ve probably heard or read that you should eat more fiber, which is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Foods containing fiber can provide myriad health benefits, such as helping regulate bowel movements and lowering your risk of heart disease. Finding fiber-rich foods is not difficult, yet many people fail to consume sufficient amounts of fiber every day.

What Is Fiber?

Dietary fiber, or roughage, includes plant foods that the body can’t easily digest and absorb. You see, the body does not digest fiber like it does protein, fats, or carbohydrates. Fiber passes relatively intact though the stomach, small intestine, and colon and out of the body. There are classes of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The former dissolves in water, while the latter does not dissolve in water.

• Soluble Fiber: This type of fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance that can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. It is commonly found in peas, apples, oats, beans, carrots, citrus fruits, psyllium, and barley
• Insoluble Fiber: This type of fiber facilitates the movement of material through the digestive tract. It helps to increase stool bulk, which is beneficial for those who suffer from constipation or irregular bowel movements. You can get insoluble fiber by eating more cauliflower, beans, nuts, wheat bran, whole-wheat flour, green beans, and potatoes. 

How Much Fiber Do You Need?

According to the National Academies, women should get a minimum of 21 to 25 grams (g) of fiber per day. If they are pregnant or breastfeeding, the recommendations are even higher. Men should aim to consume 30 to 38 g of fiber, but experts say that about 95% of Americans do not hit those numbers. Consuming that much is easy if you choose the right foods, placing an emphasis on plant-based foods. You do not have to solely eat plant-based foods, but adding them to your meals will help you meet your recommended daily fiber intake. For reference, the following sample foods all have fiber:

• 1 cup of quinoa: 4 g
• 1 cup of Brussels sprouts: 3 g
• 1/2 cup dry oats: 4 g
• 1/2 cup berries: 4-8 g

Signs That You Need More Fiber

While you may not be able to track every gram of fiber you consume, there are ways to tell if you don’t have enough in your diet. If your body lacks sufficient fiber, you may experience the following signs:

• Your bowel movements are irregular: Believe it or not, feeling backed up is not normal, despite what you may have read. Irregular can also mean that you eliminate too frequently. Whichever category you fall into, eating more fiber can help regulate your bowel movements. Fiber helps control stool consistency and how quickly digested food moves through the gut.
• Having a hard time losing or maintaining weight: Fiber is a nutrient to focus on if you want to maintain a healthy weight or encourage weight loss. Fiber helps you feel full from meals because it adds bulk, but it also helps promote a healthy appetite. Research studies confirm that people who eat more fiber tend to have a healthier body weight and an easier time losing weight.
• You are hungry right after you eat: Fiber is a non-digestible part of carbohydrates, so it works to fill your gut and aid feelings of satiety. That means that you’ll feel full after a meal and won’t reach for unnecessary snacks. 
• Your cholesterol levels are higher than they should be: If a recent blood test revealed that your cholesterol levels are higher than usual, you may lack sufficient fiber in your diet. Fiber binds to cholesterol in the gut and helps eliminate it from the body via waste. Eating more fiber, then, helps keep cholesterol levels in check. 

The Takeaway

Fiber plays many roles in the body, helping it function on several levels. It helps to encourage bowel regularity and helps control cholesterol levels, appetite, and gut health. If you are like most Americans, you do not currently get enough in your diet. If you have trouble eating the right foods to increase fiber intake, consider discussing a fiber supplement with your healthcare professional.

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A recent study found that a very low percentage (just 12%) of Americans are responsible for eating most of the beef consumed in the country on any given day. This discovery may help consumer groups and government agencies develop educational messaging about the impacts of beef consumption. 

The study found that those 12% are most likely men or people between the ages of 50 and 65. These people eat what researchers noted as a disproportionate amount of beef on a daily basis. That is a distinction that differs from the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, suggesting four ounces per day of either meat, poultry, or eggs. Four ounces is a quarter pound patty, if you think about it in the form of a burger patty. That measurement is in line with a 2,200-calorie per day diet.

The Data Behind The Study

The study analyzed data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. That survey kept track of more than 10,000 adults over a 24-hour period. Researchers note that the global food system emits 17 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year, which equates to a third of all planet-warming gases produced by humans. It’s estimated that the beef industry is a heavy contributor to those gases, producing eight to 10 times more emissions than chicken, and over 50 times more than beans.

That makes beef an environmentally extravagant protein. Beef is like a car that gets nine miles per gallon. Every time you rev the engine, you lose $20 worth of gas. The reason that beef was the focus of the study is because of its environmental impact and saturated fat content. Plus, the study’s intention was to inform educational programs about those who eat disproportionate amounts of beef. By honing messaging about the environmental impact of beef, programs can implement changes and educate students about their impact on the environment. 

Reactions To The Study

If only 12% of Americans account for half the country’s beef consumption, you could make plans to help change their eating habits. On the other hand, they may be the group that is most resistant to change. The glass-half-full takeaway may be that the remaining 88% of Americans have information about dietary guidelines, or some knowledge of a food guidance system. Does that mean that dietary guidelines can effect change for eating behaviors? Or does it mean that more people have access to information about health, eating plans, and better foods to eat nowadays? 

The Beef That People Consume

About one-third of the beef consumed came from cuts like brisket or steak. Researchers note that some of the top 10 sources included dishes such as burgers, tacos, meatloaf, spaghetti with meat sauce, and burritos. People who eat a disproportionate amount of beef may be able to alter eating habits if they choose beef-less versions of those foods. For example, choose chicken or fish in place of beef if you get tacos or burritos. You can always go meatless and opt for veggies!

Researchers note that the people below the age of 29 and above age 66 were least likely to eat large amounts of beef. There is hope in the younger generation, then, considering that they will inherit the planet and want to implement positive change. Plus, more and more young people have a deeper interest in diet, how it impacts the environment, and what they can do about it. Grass-fed, grass-finished beef has beneficial nutrients, but poultry, fish, and nuts can have the same nutrients. That just goes to show you that there are many food options out there and being resistant to them won’t benefit the body or the future of the planet. Only time will reveal if people’s beef-eating habits change. Let’s hope they do!

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According to health experts, headaches and migraines have become two of the most common neurological conditions in the world. Even though they are common afflictions, dealing or coping with them isn’t any easier. Depending on the type of headache, it can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. 

When it comes to dealing with headaches, the first thing you have to identify is the trigger. The unfortunate reality is that there are so many potential causes, which means that figuring out why you have a headache may worsen your existing headache. Identifying the headache trigger does not have to be a complicated puzzle, or at least we don’t want it to be that way. For this reason, we will discuss highly common headache triggers and how to alleviate them in this article.

Stress

Stress and anxiety are among the most common headache triggers. When the body is under stress, muscles tense up and cause tension headaches. Too much stress can trigger the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can lead to migraines. Although people resort to over-the-counter headache medications, there are natural ways to deal with stress-related headaches. Ideally, find ways to reduce stress for example, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Consider finding an activity that you enjoy, like hiking, painting, or playing music. All of these things can help you unwind and reduce stress levels.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprived? Well, that is a common trigger for headaches, especially migraines. When you don’t get enough sleep, the chemicals in the brain can be out of balance, making you more susceptible to headache pain. If you experience headaches on a regular basis, try to establish a consistent sleep routine. That means that you aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Ideally, you avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screens before bed, and you keep your bedroom comfortable and cool. Studies show that a sleep environment that is about 68º F is ideal for sleeping.

Alcohol

People love to imbibe the social lubricant, more commonly known as alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol is not only a great way to dehydrate the body and harm the liver, but it can also trigger headaches. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, and dehydration leads to headache pain. Additionally, drinking alcohol can lead to changes in blood flow and blood sugar levels in the brain, both of which can cause headaches. If you’re prone to headaches, try your best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you do choose to imbibe, do so in moderation and try to drink at least one cup of water between alcoholic beverages.

Diet

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” What you put in your body can either benefit your health or detract from it. Certain foods can help remedy headaches and nausea, while others can trigger those symptoms. Foods like cheese, chocolate, and processed meats contain harmful substances that can trigger migraines in certain people. If you skip meals or are new to intermittent fasting, you may experience headaches as well. In order to prevent food-related headache pain, try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, try your best to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day, and avoid skipping meals if possible.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances or changes can cause headaches, particularly in women. Studies show that fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraines in some women, most notably during menstruation or menopause. If you are a woman and want to reduce the risk of hormone-related headaches, you may want to consider hormone therapy or other treatments that work to regulate hormone levels. Some women also experience headache relief by avoiding certain foods or engaging in relaxation techniques. 

Environmental Triggers

Bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, and other environmental triggers can cause headaches. People who are sensitive to such environmental triggers may want to take precautions and avoid them whenever possible. If you are sensitive to bright lights, consider installing a dimmer switch or lower-wattage bulbs in your home to reduce brightness levels. Steer clear of household air fresheners, strong-scented candles, perfumes, or cigarette smoke. Lastly, wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if you are in a setting with loud noises.

Dehydration

As mentioned earlier in this article, dehydration can commonly cause headaches, especially tension headaches. When the body is dehydrated, the brain can contract and trigger headache pain. In order to prevent dehydration-related headaches, drink at least eight to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. A better measurement for hydration is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. You can also eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to boost hydration levels.

There are many different headache triggers and each person’s triggers may be different. When you can identify your own triggers and find ways to remedy, manage, or avoid them, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches. If you tend to experience headaches on a regular basis, consider speaking with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

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When it comes to sleeping in your birthday suit, people tend to fall into two categories: for it and against it. Some people only want to sleep nude, while others prefer some protection from loose clothing items. Sleeping nude has somewhat of a taboo status, but it doesn’t always have to be about making love. Through various studies, researchers have found that sleeping nude comes with a number of health benefits.

Sleeping nude can boost several aspects of your health, physically and mentally. It seems strange that such a simple thing can improve your health in several ways. Some of the health benefits are just too good to ignore! Don’t fight the data and consider stripping down to get your snooze on after learning about the following benefits of sleeping nude.

Better Sleep Quality

One thing that everyone can agree on about sleeping nude is that it helps to keep you cool during sleep. Your body temperature plays a big role in how you fall asleep and how long you remain asleep. By cooling down your body, you can improve your overall sleep quality. That said, sleeping nude may not have the best effects if your house is very hot. Sleep experts agree that the ideal sleep environment ranges between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, a 2012 study confirmed that the temperature of the room where you sleep is one of the most integral components to quality sleep. When you are cool at night, you don’t toss and turn as much, which helps you wake up well rested.

Keeps Your Skin Healthy

Besides enhancing sleep quality, sleeping in the buff may help keep your skin healthy. A small study observed whether or not people with poor sleep experienced a reduced ability to heal from a small wound. Researchers divided the participants into three groups – one group received adequate sleep, one group was sleep deprived, and the third group was sleep deprived but received extra nutrients. The group that slept well experienced quicker recovery from the small wound. This may not have a direct correlation to sleeping nude, but it may indirectly benefit the skin by improving overall sleep quality. 

Promotes The Release Of Oxytocin

Oxytocin, or the love hormone, can benefit your health in several ways. According to research, oxytocin may help decrease stress levels, lower blood pressure, combat depression, and boost your mood. Sleep studies show that sleeping nude aids the release of oxytocin, and some nighttime cuddles with skin-to-skin contact only produces more oxytocin. A 2014 study observed 1,000 married couples in England. 57% of the couples who slept naked reported a happier feeling in their relationship. On the other hand, 48% of the couples who slept in pajamas reported a similar happy feeling. 15% of the couples who slept in onesies were merely “satisfied” with their partner. Lose the onesie and remove unnecessary clothing to see if that sparks a new fire in your relationship. 

May Improve Testicular Health

If you are a man and want to keep those swimmers as healthy as you can, sleep in the natural state. Some researchers from various universities discovered that wearing boxers during the day and going commando at night improved sperm quality. Researchers studied 500 men, each of whom explained the sleeping habits and attire of their choice for a year. At the end of the study period, the men who followed the “boxer-by-day/nude-by-night” example had a 25% lower rate of damaged DNA in sperm than men who wore tighter underwear all day. 

Reduces Risk Of Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are quite common and they have become easier to treat over the years. They are also avoidable, provided you take the right preventative steps. A yeast infection requires a certain environment in which to thrive, but preventing that environment can eradicate the need for treatment. Sleeping in the nude keeps your body at a cooler temperature, and yeast requires a warm, moist environment for growth. You can help reduce the risk of yeast infections, or prevent them from growing and spreading, by sleeping in your birthday suit.

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June is Pride Month, and it’s dedicated to celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ activists who have changed the world. The gatherings that take place over the course of the month allow LGBTQIA+ individuals to celebrate who they are, and who they are proud to be. By going to Pride events, the community gets to celebrate who they are and who they love. The welcoming and accepting nature of these events relieves any person of fear they might otherwise experience in the world. 

What Is Pride Month?

Dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, Pride Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ rights and culture. Throughout the month, there are many celebrations that take place, including parades, protests, live theater, memorials, drag performances, and more. Additionally, there are many celebrations of life that commemorate members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Part of the month is about political activism, while the other part focuses on celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and the victories it has achieved over the years. 

Why Is June Pride Month?

Early in the morning on June 28th, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich village. Officers started hauling patrons outside and tensions escalated quickly. Patrons resisted arrest and a large crowd of bystanders began throwing coins, bottles, and other things at the officers. Fed up by the harassment by authorities, New York’s gay community broke out in neighborhood riots that lasted three days. 

The uprising served as somewhat of a catalyst for an emerging gay rights movement. For example, the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance formed after the historic event. These organizations modeled themselves after the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Members of the organizations held protests, met with political leaders, and interrupted public meetings to hold leaders accountable. One year after the Stonewall riots, the nation’s first Gay Pride marches took place. 

What does LGBTQIA+ Stand For?

LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive term that includes people of all genders and sexualities. The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies. Each letter may stand for a specific group of people, but the term encompasses the entire spectrum of gender fluidity and sexual identities. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people, while intersex refers to those whose sex does not have a clear definition because of hormonal, genetic, or biological differences. 

Where Did Pride Come From?

According to historical accounts, many people credit Brenda Howard as being the “Mother of Pride.” She organized the first Pride parade to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. 

Where Did the Rainbow Flag Originate?

The rainbow flag, created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, is a commonly used symbol of LGBTQIA+ ride. Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., commissioned Baker to make a flag for the city’s upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, used the stripes on the American flag as inspiration, but used the rainbow to include the many groups within the gay community. Many people don’t know that each color of the flag has its own meaning. Red symbolizes life, orange is healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue is harmony, and purple is spirit. The original eight-color flag included hot pink and turquoise. The former represented sex, while the latter represented magic and art. 

Pride events welcome allies from outside the LGBTQIA+ community. There are many opportunities to show support, observe, listen, and learn more about Pride during the month of June. See what your community has to offer via social media, news outlets, and more. Happy Pride Month!

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What goes into a protein shake? You typically blend or shake up protein powder with liquid if you are pressed for time, or you incorporate protein powders into smoothie recipes. These powders are convenient and they are beneficial for anyone who wants to lose weight or put on muscle. However, most people don’t know when to drink them. This article aims to detail the best time to consume your protein supplements. 

The amount of protein you need is dependent on your health goals. Dietitians explain that the recommended daily allowance is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. That averages to about 20 grams per meal. If you plan on building muscle, you may need to double that amount.  Before we get too into the weeds, let’s first explain why the body needs protein.

Why Do You Need Protein?

One could say that protein is very important, given that proteins exist in every human cell. Made up of amino acids, protein is one of the building blocks of life, helping your body repair cells and make new ones. Roughly 10 to 35% of your total daily calories should come from protein, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That range is due to different diets and activity levels. Generally, though, if you consume 2,000 calories per day, aim to consume 50-175 grams of protein (amounting to 200-700 calories).

Protein shakes are highly beneficial because they can make it easier to meet these nutritional requirements. Depending on your health goals and your choice of protein powder, shakes can be a focal point of your diet. In very simple terms, protein does two things: helps you lose weight and helps you gain weight. Protein is integral for satiety (helping you feel full) and ensures that you minimize muscle loss. Protein helps you tip the scales a bit if gaining weight is your goal. 

When Is The Best Time To Take Protein?

The time at which you drink a protein shake depends on your health and fitness goals. Firstly, you have to understand your body’s metabolism and know whether it is in a catabolic or anabolic state. In a catabolic state, the body breaks down muscles, which is why the body is in this state while exercising. In an anabolic state, which is typically post-workout, the body is in a rebuild and refuel state. The window of time after you exercise, when your body is repairing and refueling, is when it can utilize protein in the most efficient way. 

Losing Weight

Protein is a key element of your diet if you want to lose fat. Focusing on protein can help increase your metabolism and reduce your appetite. This is because protein reduces levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, while simultaneously increasing levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and cholecystokinin (CCK), all of which are hormones that reduce appetite. Consuming a protein shake between meals may help decrease your overall caloric intake. One study found that people who ate a high-protein yogurt snack in the afternoon consumed 100 fewer calories at dinner than those who ate crackers or chocolate in the afternoon. That means that if weight loss is your goal, consume your protein shakes between your primary meals. 

Gaining Muscle Mass

If you want to bulk up and get swole, some research says that you should consume a protein shake between 30 and 60 minutes after your workout. Again, this is based on the knowledge of your body being in that anabolic state post workout. However, studies have shown the results of consuming protein post-workout are inconsistent. Some dietitians argue that nutrient timing is a myth, and when you drink you shake doesn’t hugely affect muscle gain. In fact, new research found that resistance exercise and consuming sufficient protein are more important than when you drink your protein shake. People who workout in a fasted state, though, may benefit from taking protein shortly after completing a workout. 

The bottom line is that there is a lot of controversy about what time you should consume your protein shake. The anabolic window, which was previously understood as the best time to consume protein, may not have as big of an impact on your muscle gains. You don’t have to chug your protein shake within seconds of completing your workout, but consuming it within an hour or so post-workout may help. Your body is in need of protein after a workout to aid with muscle repair and recovery. Although protein is important, you don’t have to stress about missing the most opportune moment for consumption. Drink your protein shake when you can, especially if you don’t consume a lot on a regular basis.

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Do you dread the thought of going to work? Is it because your workplace is full of negativity, discouragement, or disrespect? Whether you deal with a hothead boss, unreasonable workload, or malicious coworkers, a toxic work environment can take a serious toll on your mental health. Workplace toxicity can lead to high levels of anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. That’s why you have to recognize the signs of a toxic work environment and identify when you need to leave. 

According to a Talent Works survey, a toxic environment is the most common factor that deters women from pursuing tech roles, with 21% citing frequent experiences. Roughly 1.3% of American employees at large companies describe their workplace as toxic, though. Not only is toxicity in the workplace widespread, but it is also detrimental to the overall wellbeing and mental health of employees. 

Signs Of A Toxic Work Environment

A toxic work environment can make you feel psychologically unsafe, and there’s no need to feel constant negativity, aggression, or unhealthy competition. A recent study defined a toxic workplace by having the following:

• Offensive or aggressive leadership
• Bullying
• Narcissistic behavior
• Ostracism
• Harassment
• Threatening behavior from coworkers or managers

The following signs can create or contribute to more toxicity in the workplace:

• Micromanagement
• Cliquish behavior
• Discrimination or harassment 
• A boss that sets you up for failure
• Excessive gossip
• Microaggressions 
• Unsafe working conditions
• Lack of respect
• Unrealistic workloads
• Coworkers getting away with inappropriate behavior

The American Psychological Association suggests the following tips if you find yourself in an unhealthy or toxic work situation. 

Don’t Stoop To A Toxic Colleague’s Level

It is very important that you do not reward bad behavior. When your coworker rags on your manager’s propensity for leaving work 45 minutes early, step back to avoid the gossip, despite how tempting it may be. Instead, offer a neutral response and pivot to a new subject. Once they realize that you don’t want to take part in their gossip or bad-mouthing, they will probably look elsewhere to do so. Ideally, your dismissal should help them realize that their behavior isn’t normal or appreciated. 

Establish Healthy Boundaries

If you know that your work environment is toxic, set healthy boundaries so as to keep your work life and home life separate. For example, consider turning off your work phone after a certain time each day, and only respond to work emails during business hours. Practice communicating your boundaries clearly to your manager and coworkers. If they happen to cross a boundary, address it immediately so that it doesn’t happen again. One survey found that one in every 11 employees felt disrespected by their manager; 11.6% felt disrespected by the company as a whole. 

Leave Your Work Stress At The Door

To piggyback on the previous suggestion, creating boundaries can help establish a healthy work-life balance. Occasionally venting about your work to a roommate, parent, or partner is completely different than making it the center of every conversation. Be conscious of how often you talk about your job around the people you care about. Make sure that the majority of the conversations you have are about things other than your annoying coworker or micromanaging boss. People around you will easily tire of listening to your workplace woes, so sing a different tune and don’t dwell on things you can’t control. Life is all about balance!

Build Trust

A micromanager boss can easily pit two basic human neuropsychological needs against each other: your need for autonomy and their need for control. How do you navigate these waters? You will not get autonomy until they get certainty, so you have to gain their trust. In order to do this, provide them with the things they crave: information, inclusion, and control. If you resist that, you will likely aggravate the situation and cause more tension. Try to anticipate their needs because the more you learn about their expectations, the more proactively you can address them. Communicate with them in a clear manner and keep them overly informed. If that means providing regular updates and progress reports, do just that!

If these tactics do not work and you feel that you cannot escape your toxic workplace, it may be time to seek employment elsewhere. That can be very scary, especially in an uncertain job market or if you need to pay bills. If you need the income, start your job search and don’t leave until you find a position that you are happy with. If the toxicity stems from someone who works in the same department as you but you like the company, ask to be transferred to a separate department.

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