Marijuana May Protect Brain Cells from Alzheimer’s

The use of marijuana and cannabis compounds in the medical field is increasing.

We’ve all heard how it can help cancer patients cope with their disease, as well as their treatments, but now it may be able to help patients with another serious disease as well: Alzheimer’s.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

In a new study from the Salk Institute, scientists have discovered that tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has been helping relieve plaque forming Alzheimer’s proteins from lab-grown brain cells. Although research is still in the preliminary stages, the find is promising, and it may just lead to the creation of new therapeutics for patients suffering from the disease.

Other studies have been conducted with similar results, but this is the first time researchers have been able to demonstrate and record that cannabinoids have an affect on both the inflammation and accumulation in the nerve cells directly.

“Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” explains David Schubert, Salk Professor and senior author of the study.

The breaking down of protein buildup is important to the overall find, but what people don’t understand is just how important reducing inflammation within the cells can be. When the cells are inflamed, it makes it incredibly difficult for your neurons to communicate the way they’re supposed to, which is the root of the disease itself.
5 of the Most Ridiculous Arguments Against Marijuana Leagalization

Besides the discovery that THC can break down plaque buildup and reduce inflammation, this study also shows researchers that there is a strong connection between the protein plaque and the neurons themselves, which has only been previously hypothesized. It’s believed that THC is able to work within the brain’s naturally occurring endocannabinoid receptors in order to slow the progression of the disease.

The study is still only in the preliminary stages, and there is a lot of work to be done before this link between THC and Alzheimer’s can be called anything more than casual. The recent acceptance of both medical and recreational marijuana has opened the door for scientists to study the effects of cannabis compounds on the brain and body. There is still a vast amount of work to be done, but the possibilities are enlightening.

The post Marijuana May Protect Brain Cells from Alzheimer’s appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

20 Simple Ways to Practice Emotional Self-Care

Self-care is not a selfish or frivolous thing. It is time we stopped looking at this practice as a luxury. If we are to be our best and most useful selves, caring for our souls is a necessity. A happy and healthy person can accomplish twice as much as one who is fighting burnout.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Here are 20 small ways to care for yourself today:

1. Forgive yourself for small mistakes. Treat yourself with the same compassion and kindness that you would a close friend.

2. Ask someone you look up to to be a personal mentor. You will make their day.

3. Leave 15 minutes in your day as white space. Allow yourself to slow down and be silent. This is especially nurturing if you have active children or a demanding job.

4. Listen to at least three songs you love each day.

5. When you feel your self-esteem start to slip, write a love letter to yourself.

6. Journal every night. Even a short entry counts. Draw cartoons, write poetry, or keep a gratitude list. Mix it up. Make it your own.

7. Resist pressure to spend your free time in a way that pleases others. If you are an introvert, don’t apologize for needing solitude. Nurture your soul in a way that feels right to you.

8. Give yourself permission to experience your emotions. Feel your feelings, even (and especially) if they are painful.

9. Do something creative each day. It doesn’t matter how small. All creativity feeds the soul.

10. Give yourself three compliments each morning. Start off the day by working toward a positive self-image.
3 Ways to Accept, Treasure, and Cherish Your Authentic Self

11. Don’t attempt to do everything yourself. Tell people what you need from them. You’ll be surprised at how willing they are to help.

12. Learn to receive a compliment in a way that makes you feel empowered, rather than awkward. This is surprisingly hard.

13. Cultivate gratitude. Take note of small joys in your life as you go about your day.

14. Learn to say no.

15. Take deep breaths when you are angry, stressed, or afraid.

16. Eat something delicious each day without guilt. You have my permission.

17. Listen to the way you speak to yourself. You’ll be surprised at the messages you may have internalized. Make an effort to engage in positive self-talk.

18. Take note of one thing you love about your body each day.

19. Set boundaries. Encourage others to do the same. Respect them without criticism.

20. Learn to meditate. It’s surprisingly easy!

“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others,” observed Christopher Germer. Treat yourself with kindness today. You deserve it, and your loved ones deserve to experience the best version of you.

The post 20 Simple Ways to Practice Emotional Self-Care appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

8 Behaviors that Stop You from Finding Love

“You are your own worst enemy. If you can learn to stop expecting impossible perfection, in yourself and others, you may find the happiness that has always eluded you.” Lisa Kleypas understood the power of looking inward to solve external problems. Often, when we struggle to find love, we look to the people with whom we have tried to make it work. It is natural to blame others for our pain and frustration. However, it is not productive.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Is it possible that some of your own behaviors are standing between you and true love?

Here are eight common mindsets that could prevent you from finding a happy relationship:

1. You don’t trust easily.

This often begins as a survival skill. After being hurt, it is normal to build up a wall. However, the same wall that keep out the pain could also keep people out who have good intentions. Take a leap of faith. Trust someone with a small secret, and see what happens. You don’t have to jump in all at once. Just don’t be afraid to test the waters.

2. You are afraid of changing who you are.

Good news – if you are in a healthy relationship, you won’t have to! Don’t hide your quirks when you are looking for love. Embrace them. The right person will love you for who you truly are. This includes your oddities, your unusual hobbies, and even your flaws.

3. You make the same mistakes over and over.

Look to your past relationships. Did they all end the same way? If so, you may need to work on yourself before getting back out there. If you don’t fix the ongoing problem, you are only setting your next relationship up to crash and burn in the same way.

4. You’re hung up on someone who is uninterested or unavailable.

It’s easy to imagine a fantasy love with someone if you know it would never happen. There is a good chance that if the two of you were together, things would play out much differently. If you compare everyone you meet to a fantasy, they will always come up short. Let go of the dream, and pursue someone you might have a real future with.
When Love Is Not Enough

5. You struggle with your self-esteem.

It is easy to believe the right relationship would fix this problem. Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works. You need to love yourself before you can build a healthy relationship with someone else. Put your relationship with yourself first for awhile. It’s the one that truly matters.

6. You stick to your “deal breakers.”

I am a proud Penn State graduate. My husband is a Michigan fan. I know lots of couples who have similar mismatches on the surface, but managed to find a deep and fulfilling love together. Don’t let someone’s unattractive hands or penchant for double dipping blind you from their good heart.

7. You are jaded.

If too many broken relationships have left you bitter, you might not be giving love a fair chance. This does not only apply to your past break-ups. You may be a child of divorce or the victim of a toxic friendship. Most likely, you need to work through the pain of the past before you can embrace a healthy relationship in the present.

8. Your standards are not realistic.

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly,” wrote Sam Keen. If you hold your romantic prospects to an impossible standard, you will never be pleased. You are also not giving them a chance to be vulnerable with you. To make a relationship work, you need to give one another the freedom to be flawed.

“Hope for love, pray for love, wish for love, dream for love…but don’t put your life on hold waiting for love,” wrote Mandy Hale. Seek love in the world, but also look inward. Build your relationship with yourself. Become the kind of person people fall in love with. Then, open up your heart to others.

The post 8 Behaviors that Stop You from Finding Love appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

21 Ways to Keep a Strong Woman Satisfied

Many men are drawn to strong, empowered women. Few know what to expect once they manage to catch one. A confident and independent woman acts differently from others. She may want you, but she doesn’t need you. She respects your needs, but she won’t let her own be forgotten. She will not compromise her values, ambitions, and morals for anyone’s sake. She will not be your doormat, and she does not want you to become hers.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Strong women terrify men, because they are not afraid to leave.

Here’s some advice for keeping the empowered woman in your life happy.

1. Expect you will have to work for her trust. Earn it by being honest, dependable, and respectful.

2. Allow her to be vulnerable with you, but don’t demand it.

3. Show her that she can trust you to keep her deepest secrets. Make it clear that her most private thoughts, feelings, and moments will stay that way with you.

4. Don’t play games. Operate with honesty.

5. When she takes responsibility for her part in an argument, you should do the same. It is rarely a one-way street.

6. When she challenges your ideas and opinions, don’t get defensive. This is a sign that she respects you.
50 Ways To Show A Woman You Love Her

7. Practice gratitude together.

8. Reassure her that even if she doesn’t need you, you are always there to help her. Make it clear that you do not think any less of her when she asks for your support.

9. Celebrate her accomplishments.

10. When she fails, praise her efforts. Help her identify what she learned and gained from the experience.

11. Help her to make a positive impact in the community. Volunteer together. Strong women love passionate men.

12. Give her spiritual practices a chance. Be honest if they do not ring true to who you are. Respect and support her in pursuing them, even if you do not share her beliefs.

13. Respect her boundaries.

14. Realize that actions speak much more loudly than words. Don’t just apologize when you are wrong. Change your behavior.

15. Share your ambitions with her. Allow her to help you reach them.

16. Ask about her career goals. Keep track of the progress she is making. Praise and recognize her hard work, no matter what the results.

17. Be clear about your expectations. Discuss the future of your relationship with honesty and transparency. Strong women appreciate straightforward men.

18. Get to know her friends and family members.

19. Don’t be offended when she asks for alone time to recharge.

20. Encourage her to care for herself.

21. Refuse to gossip about other people. This looks petty and weak to a confident woman.
7 Quotes On Love For The Strong, Intense, and Complex Woman

“Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts … good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with,”explained Michelle Obama. Be a person who makes your empowered woman feel good. She will do the most incredible things with you by her side.

The post 21 Ways to Keep a Strong Woman Satisfied appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

20 Body Language Tricks that Make Others Like You

Most of us are conscious of the words we say. So why do we often send messages we didn’t mean to? Our body language can influence how confident, trustworthy, and likeable we seem to the world.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Did you know that over half of what we communicate is nonverbal?

Here are 20 things you can do to make sure you are sending the right message:

1. Mirror people’s movements.

2. Smile often. Think of something happy so it will feel genuine, rather than forced.

3. Step closer to someone who wants to feel close to you.

4. Step back from someone who indicates they need space.

5. Mirror posture in a subtle way.

6. Don’t cross your arms over your chest. This makes you seem closed off or unhappy.

7. Maintain eye contact for at least three seconds. Smile warmly while you do so.

8. Be conscious of having good posture. Avoid slouching.

9. Don’t lean on things.

10. Point your shoes toward the person you are speaking with.

11. Don’t fake a laugh. If someone makes a joke and laughter doesn’t come naturally, trust that a smile will suffice.
8 Tips to Mastering Body Language that will Win Anyone Over

12. Maintain eye contact for the duration of a handshake.

13. Shake hands with light but firm pressure. Use the same force as you would to lift the handle of a pan.

14. Smile when you enter a room.

15. Take your time when greeting people. Don’t rush on to the next person.

16. Stand with your feet hip width apart.

17. Try to keep tension in your core when you walk, sit, or stand. This will help you to maintain graceful movements and good posture.

18. Relax, but don’t slouch. Imagine a string is pulling the top of your head.

19. Resist the urge to push back your shoulders and puff out your chest.

20. If you are nervous, remind yourself of something impressive you have done. Keep it to yourself. This will help you to project confidence.

“Think of good posture as your body’s projection of a positive message to those you meet,” wrote Cindy Ann Peterson. Consider the message you are sending about yourself. Is it accurate? Could it be improved? Use the tips above, and see if people react to you differently.

The post 20 Body Language Tricks that Make Others Like You appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

How Sensitive Is Your OCD Radar?

The post How Sensitive Is Your OCD Radar? appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

Can You See All Six People In This Picture?

The post Can You See All Six People In This Picture? appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

4 Signs Your Job Is Crushing Your Spirit

You went to school and got good grades. You behaved yourself. You got into college. You graduated and got a job. You settled down. You bought a house and saved diligently for your retirement…
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Did you ever stop to ask yourself why?

All too often, we get caught up in our short term goals in a way that blinds us to the big picture. The average American will spend nearly 100,000 hours at work over the course of their lifetime. For those who work beyond a nine to five schedule, it will be much more. This is very disheartening when we consider that 80 percent of people do not like their jobs.

Should you take a second look at your career path before you go any farther?

Here are four signs you should reconsider your job situation:

1. You’ve lost sight of your personal goals and aspirations.

Your work should not be the only component of your identity. Where do you want to travel? What athletic feats do you strive to accomplish? Do you have any artistic projects in the works? These are the things that make us who we are. If you are drowning in your job, it’s likely you need to form an identity outside of work. Consider your talents. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. Then, go for it. Train for a marathon. Learn to cook Chinese food. Plan a trip to Cuba. Build a tree house for your kids. Learn Italian. Coach your daughter’s soccer team. Start a garage band. The possibilities are endless.

2. Your work is stopping you from enjoying your life.

Did you know that 64 percent of Americans canceled their vacations this year? Of those who did go, a quarter checked in to work remotely on an hourly basis. Vacations, and other breaks from work, are critical to our mental and emotional health. If you are never truly off the clock, you are missing out on a wonderful chance to enjoy being alive. Travel is one of the great thrills of life. Exploring our world is magical and inspiring. It rejuvenates the spirit. It is also a unique chance to bond with your family. The memories you build together will stay with you long after your job has ended. This brings us to our next point…

3. Your relationships are suffering.

“In workaholic marriages, there’s more marital estrangement. Couples are emotionally distant from each other. There are often thoughts of separation and divorce,” noted Bryan Robinson. This could explain why couples in which one partner spends more time than usual at work (by ten or more hours per week) divorce at twice the average rate. This figure is sad on its own. When we consider that most people work to provide for their family, it becomes tragic. Think hard about what exactly it is you want to give your loved ones. Most likely, they would prefer your presence to your presents.
Is a Terrible Job Really Better Than No Job at All?

4. You only work for the money.

Most people would not choose to work if they did not have bills to pay. However, this shouldn’t be the only thing that ties you to your current job. Does your work give you a sense of purpose? Does it stimulate your mind? Do you like and respect your co-workers? Do you feel invested in your professional goals and accomplishments? Are you proud to work for your company? Do you get a sense of personal satisfaction when you do your job well? If you could not answer “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to seek out a more rewarding work life.

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion,” wrote Simon Sinek. Don’t let your work stress destroy your capacity to seek out passion and joy in your life. Remember what it is you are working for. Then, invest time and energy in the parts of your life that awaken your spirit. Spend time with your loved ones. Pursue a passion project. Live your life in the greatest way possible.

The post 4 Signs Your Job Is Crushing Your Spirit appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

7 Signs Your Partner Is Ready to Commit

Falling in love is one of the greatest joys life has to offer. Most people look forward to settling down with their one true soulmate. Unfortunately, in our rush to fall head over heels, we may overestimate our partner’s affection and commitment. This is an error that’s bound to end in heartbreak.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

So, how do we protect ourselves from emotional disaster without blocking our hearts off from love? The answer is right in front of you. Observe your partner’s behavior. Listen to what they say. Read between the lines. What are they not saying? Do their actions align with their words? Be honest with yourself about what you see. Don’t clutch so tightly to a fantasy that you let the real thing pass you by.

So – is your partner ready for the long haul?

Here are seven ways you can tell:

Your partner says “I love you” in a casual context.

The ability to say these words in the course of everyday life shows certainty and comfort. Watch out for a partner who says it only in romantic situations. They might be using these words without meaning them, to meet your expectations and cultivate an amorous atmosphere. A partner who only says “I love you” in response to you saying it first may be unsure of their feelings. Look for sincerity and comfort in your partner’s declarations of affection.
5 Ways to Stay Connected To Your Partner

Your partner mentions building a family.

A person who asks how you feel about marriage and children is trying to envision a future with you. One who does not might not be ready to commit. They might also be afraid of scaring you off. Either way, it is likely that they feel your relationship is not yet at a point where they are looking towards a permanent commitment.

Your partner has introduced you to their family and friends.

This is a big step. If your significant other wants you to meet their inner circle, it is likely that they already see you as an important part of their life. They are committed to the relationship, and they are proud of the person you are. It also shows that they value their relationships with family members and close friends.

Your partner is willing to compromise.

When your significant other goes out of their way to make you happy, they are showing you that they value the relationship more than their own comfort. It also demonstrates a sense of maturity that is necessary in a long term commitment. Be sure to return this courtesy by making sacrifices of your own. This is good practice for marriage.

Your partner goes out of their way to spend time with you.

Time is our most strictly limited resource. Anyone can spend money on you, or shower you with compliments and praise. It takes a truly committed person to sacrifice their time for you. This is a sure sign that your partner is looking toward building a future together.
20 Questions to Determine Whether Your Partner is Controlling

Your partner asks lots of questions.

In a happy relationship, you and your significant other should strive to constantly learn more about one another. A partner who asks lots of questions is deeply interested in who you are. This shows curiosity, care, and affection. These qualities will keep your relationship alive.

Your partner likes to hold hands.

Non-sexual touching shows a level of fondness and comfort that goes beyond simple physical attraction. These little bits of contact deepen your emotional connection and keep you in sync with one another. If your partner likes to hold hands in public, they might be proud to show you off. They may also be nervous and looking to you for security. Either way, frequent hand holding is a very good sign.

“To say that one waits a lifetime for his soulmate to come around is a paradox. People eventually get sick of waiting, take a chance on someone, and by the art of commitment become soulmates, which takes a lifetime to perfect,” wrote  Criss Jami. Don’t wait for a perfect person. Choose someone who is imperfect, and build a perfect love. Just make sure they are committed to doing the same.

The post 7 Signs Your Partner Is Ready to Commit appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

4 Ways To Handle Passive-Aggressive Behaviour Without Being A Jerk

Finding a way to handle passive-aggressive behaviour that doesn’t make you seem like a jerk can be tricky.

You’re probably familiar with passive-aggressive behaviour, even if you don’t recognize it for what it is. It’s rampant on social media. I’m sure you’ve seen the posts and comments on Facebook that are obviously showing hostility, albeit through the veil of a smile. “You usually look tired in your pictures, but you look nice in this one.” Jeez, thanks, aunt Judy.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Usually, the passive-aggressive person says something with a hint of rudeness to it as a response to conflict they are avoiding. Combine that with a feeling of powerlessness and helplessness, and you have the recipe for an internal power struggle that results in passive-aggressive behaviour.

I remember one instance when I was out shopping for a sweater with a co-worker of mine who was up for the same promotion I was. After making the mistake of asking her opinion on one of my selections, she responded with, “It looks like your diet might not be working. Maybe if you try a size up you’ll be more comfortable.” Said sweetly, with a smile, of course. I’m not certain she was really concerned with my health, or my level of comfort. What was really going on was she wanted me to initiate conflict so she could release her anger and frustration.

These are verbal signs of classic passive-aggressive behaviour, but there are other ways people exhibit this as well. When someone gives you the silent treatment, is intentionally late, doesn’t do what is asked of them, or withholds intimacy, they are also being passive-aggressive.

So how do we handle this type of frustrating behaviour without coming across like a jerk?

1. Stay focused on the current moment.

It’s easy to fall for the trap of bringing up all the other times they’ve acted like this, but don’t do it. Stay in the now.

So they said something that hurt your feelings or made you angry. Don’t contribute to the endless cycle of passive-aggressive behaviour by reliving the numerous other times they did the exact same thing.

Instead, focus on what they said in this instance and let them know how they made you feel. These people act like this because they are avoiding something. If you avoid the issue of their passive-aggressive behaviour, you’re only contributing to the cycle.

2. Use “I” instead of “you” when expressing yourself.

When we say things like “you do this” or “you make me feel this way” it comes off accusatory, and defense mode is engaged. You want to deflect aggression, not trigger it.

Use phrasing that incorporates the use of “I.” As in, “I feel hurt when things are said about my weight,” or “I prefer if remarks like that weren’t made.”

3. Make it clear that there are consequences for their actions.

You should probably expect them to deny ever doing anything wrong, or they’ll make excuses for their behaviour. Regardless of what tactics they try to deploy, stand your ground and respond accordingly.

If this is the third time you’ve invited John to join you and your friends for drinks, and he says yes but never shows up, then it’s time to instill some consequences. Kindly let John know that if you invite him in the future, and he says he will be there, then he needs to show up. Otherwise, someone else will be asked in his place, and he probably won’t be given much consideration for future gatherings.

4. Understand that not everyone is going to be approachable.

Sometimes we need to weigh the pros and cons of confronting this type of behaviour.

If you work for someone who is passive-aggressive towards you, it might not be as beneficial for you to confront them as it would be for you to approach your friend. There are pros and cons to everything we do. While it might feel great to finally tell your boss how you feel about his snotty remarks, it probably won’t serve you very well in the long run. If they use sarcasm and “thank you for your hard work,” then you can respond with a genuine “you’re welcome.” That’s about as good as it gets in those situations.

Overall, be mindful of how you speak to others and pay attention to what triggers your frustration and anger. Acknowledge how you feel and process that information in the healthiest way you can.

Whatever you do, don’t hold on to it and let it stew in your mind. That’s how you end up being passive-aggressive.

The post 4 Ways To Handle Passive-Aggressive Behaviour Without Being A Jerk appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

What It’s Like To Live With An Anxiety Disorder

Living with an anxiety disorder isn’t enjoyable for anyone, and most people don’t understand what it is like to be someone who has one.

I’d like to shed a little light on the subject, for those of you who do not understand what this illness is like:
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Without warning, worry begins to build and you feel that something just isn’t right. Things might be perfectly fine, but your mind will convince itself otherwise. It will tell you that your life is about to fall apart, then add a bit of fear to the mix. One minute, you are consumed with this single worry , and the next, it could be something completely different, yet equally threatening. Your mind is constantly switching back and forth between worries, and it will convince you that things are much worse than they truly are.

While all of this is going on in your mind, you are trying as hard as you can to remain calm and “just relax,” like your friends suggest…but it’s impossible. Then comes the depression. The depression that makes you wish you were someone else- someone who wasn’t so crazy and irrational at times. This is the worst part because it causes you to distance yourself from the world and everyone around you. It creates a barrier separating the rest of the world from you and your illness, and that loneliness causes fear. You’re too terrified to talk to your closest friends or loved ones about what you really need from them. And that makes you feel even worse….but you can’t help it.

The hardest part is trying to find peace during the depression stage. Most of the time, it reverts to worry and fear, which can keep you up all night. Then, because you spent all night worrying instead of sleeping, you are irritable and easily triggered, which makes people avoid you altogether. Avoidance, lack of sleep, worry, fear, anxiety- and once again depression rears its ugly head. It is an exhausting war with yourself that feels like it can’t be won.
22 Things People With Anxiety Want Their Friends To Know

There is something that everybody needs to understand about anxiety: you can’t control it.

No, having anxiety doesn’t mean you are crazy, and the last thing you need to hear is people telling you that you are acting mad.  Chances are, you’re well aware of how “crazy” you seem at times, and when people tell you such things it only makes your condition worse.

Anxiety happens at the most inconvenient times, and when it does, you only need three things: patience, understanding, and support. Eventually, the attack will pass and you will return to your usual self.

What people with anxiety really want you to understand, is that we are on the same team- it’s you and us versus the illness. We hate it just as much as you do, probably even more.

What’s the best thing you can do when we are having an attack? Listen. We need you to know that there are times we will need you to hold us close, and times when we need to be left alone. And yes, sometimes, the ones we love are the triggers for our attacks- don’t take it personally, anxiety doesn’t follow logic or rationale. Whatever you do, please don’t tell us to “calm down,” that we are “overreacting,” or that “worrying  won’t make anything better.” If we could turn off worrying like a switch, don’t you think we would have already done that?
Children Can Inherit Anxiety and Depression

When someone you love is experiencing an anxiety attack, try asking them what they need from you. In most cases, they know wheat they need to make things better, but are too afraid to ask. You have to let them know that you genuinely care, and want to help in any way that you can. You have to be okay with things, even if they don’t tel you anything, and just listen. Get to know their illness better, and you will understand more of what they are going through. Every anxiety disorder is different, but understanding that they have no control over their mind, and being there for that person can be therapeutic. When they they feel as though they have turned on themselves is when they need you the most.

By Raven Fon
Image credit: Janneke Cobb

The post What It’s Like To Live With An Anxiety Disorder appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

Einstein’s 100 Year Old Prediction Confirmed

Have you ever felt as if you were ahead of your time? Einstein was, and recently scientists were able to prove a key part of his theory of relativity.

If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?  That is a question pondered by many and often used as a thought experiment.

Regardless of whether you look at that question from a philosophical or a scientific standpoint, it seems to be a matter of opinion that is still up for debate.

If we were to rephrase that question to make it match portions of Albert Einsteins general theory of relativity, it might then be stated as “If two black holes collide in a binary system with solar masses, can we detect the resulting gravitational waves from space on earth?”

Except that question is no longer up for debate. It has a definitive answer.

Yes.

For the first time we were able to detect the echoes of an event that took place more than 1.3 billion years ago.

Recently scientists at two separate Laser Interferometer Gravitationalwave Observatorys (LIGOs) were not only able to detect these gravitational waves, which are essentially ripples in the very fabric of spacetime, but they were able to pinpoint the source of their impact as somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere as well.

Black holes orbiting each other gradually lose energy while emitting these waves. As they lose this energy they are slowly and methodically drawn closer together over the course of billions of years. As the black holes continue to approach one another their speed builds as well and eventually reaches nearly half of the speed of light just before they collide and the two combine together to become one massive black hole.

When the mass of these black holes is thrown together, it converts a portion of that mass into energy which is emitted throughout the universe in a burst of gravitational waves which themselves cause tiny disturbances that effect both space and time as they pass through earth.

The implications of finally being able to detect these waves is astounding.

Einstein predicted these events one hundred years ago in his theory of general relativity. Even though Einstein didn’t believe in black holes and thought that gravitational waves were too weak to detect, the idea alone that the man was so far ahead of his time that it took technology one hundred years to catch up and confirm his theory is amazing. Even more amazing is the knowledge we will gain from this and how it opens up untold possibilities for understanding the origins and workings of gravity itself.

It’s uncharted territory really. Scientists will now be able to look at the universe from entirely different angles and explore the phenomenon of warped spacetime.

The best part is that it will herald countless new scientific breakthroughs in both physics and astrophysics, which ironically means I can’t stress the gravity of this event enough.

http://ift.tt/20qQQsE
http://ift.tt/1SEGUNv
http://ift.tt/2cA3chZ

The post Einstein’s 100 Year Old Prediction Confirmed appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.

Night Owls And Late Risers Aren’t Lazy, They’re Actually Smart And Creative

Recent studies suggest if you prefer to stay up late, and stay in bed even later, you’re not exhibiting “laziness,” you’re showing signs of intelligence and creativity.

Despite being told from a young age that you should go to bed at a decent time, and get up early in the morning, there are some pretty interesting scientific facts that shine a positive light on the habits of night owls.
“Intelligence is sexy” t-shirt?!

Satoshi Kanazawa, from the Department of Psychology at University College London, conducted a study that discovered a connection between intelligence and adaptive behaviors. Kanazawa said these behaviours are “evolutionarily novel,” meaning they differ from what our ancestors did.

He wrote that regular nocturnal activities were most likely a rare occurrence with our ancestors, and so staying up late and sleeping in are therefore “evolutionarily novel.”

The study‘s hypothesis was that “more intelligent individuals are more likely to be nocturnal than less intelligent individuals.” The analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health confirms the prediction.

Via study

Using the data from the graph above, as well as evidence from the study, Kanazawa concluded that “More intelligent children are more likely to grow up to be nocturnal adults who go to bed late and wake up late on both weekdays and weekends.”

Research was also conducted at the University of Madrid last year that examined the sleeping patterns of approximately 1,000 teenagers. The study required to participants to perform inductive reasons tests, which are related to general intelligence, and found that night owls scored higher than early birds.
Are Foul-Mouthed, Messy Night Owls the True Geniuses?

However, the teens who stayed awake till the wee hours received grades 8% lower in class than their morning-riser counterparts. This might be because night-oriented teens have difficulty kicking their brain into gear early in the morning , which is when high school tends to be in session.

We’re not done yet, there’s more interesting research from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.

ABC Science reported on the study, which asked 120 men and women of different ages to fill out a survey asking if they were more of night or morning person.

Then, the participants were asked to complete a series of 3 tests to measure creative thinking and problem solving. The tests were scored on how original the answers were, as well as how elaborate, fluid and flexible. According to what they found, “evening types aced each test based on these criteria, while morning and intermediate type people struggled to get scores over 50.”

Head author of the study, Marina Giampietro, believes this creativity stems from “the development of a non-conventional spirit and of the ability to find alternative and original solutions.”
4 Reasons Science says Night Owls are Smarter than Early Birds

According to Elite Daily:

“It’s all about what you’re doing with the time you have. Yes, early birds might be more productive, but late risers are more creative.

Early risers take advantage of those morning hours to do mundane activities like go to the gym, make coffee and get to work early, but it’s the late sleepers who really take advantage of the night — the special time to create and invent something new.”

By Raven Fon

The post Night Owls And Late Risers Aren’t Lazy, They’re Actually Smart And Creative appeared first on I Heart Intelligence.