We tend to be attracted to people we deem to be mentally strong. There is a certain quality about them which makes them composed, calm, balanced and admirable.

Today, we live and thrive in a modern society, and our daily lives are often filled with different tasks and challenges. Our inward inclination is to strive toward overcoming these hurdles and challenges, which life sometimes imposes on and presents to us.

These challenges and experiences shape our individual characteristics and personalities. Not all people respond to changes and challenges in the same way. When faced with the many difficult experiences in life, some act on a fight-or-flight response, and seek to avoid or to escape for safety when the circumstance is too stressful. Some also are able to embrace the problems and work their way through them, regardless of how they feel. This determination is what makes a strong personality. A person who has a strong personality will do what it takes to live life to the fullest, by sticking up for themselves and defying their limits.

Everyone has had a different life and upbringing, and some have experienced traumas and difficult childhoods which make it more difficult for them to face daily challenges than the average person. But even many of these individuals rise to be champions, powering through life’s challenges with certain acquired skills and traits that have helped them to succeed in life. Maybe some of these traits are part of your personality.

Here are the traits that mentally strong people possess, often without being aware of them:

1. They Are Not Afraid To Reject Something

Strong people know what they want and how they want it. Even when other people bear down on them with expectations, they do not give in to the pressure.

If emotionally strong people do not want to do something or do not have the time, they are comfortable saying no to or rejecting certain offers or invitations. They appreciate their time and are willing to spend it according to their preferences.

2. They Take Risks Without Being Afraid Of Failing

They are risk-takers who are not afraid of failure and who embrace every good opportunity that comes their way. They can remain optimistic even when they fail.

To them, failure is an essential part of life where they learn life lessons that will only help them to improve and to grow as an individual. They use the lessons learned as stepping stones towards success.

They thrive on taking risks because it motivates them and inspires their eagerness to become a better version of themselves, and helps to make their life an exciting adventure.

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3. Consistency

Mentally strong people are not always born that way, but they learned certain successful skills along the way. Persistence is the key to success, as anyone who does something long enough and gives enough effort is sure to master it someday. Success doesn’t usually happen overnight, and mentally strong people understand the power of consistency. They take small steps forward continuously and focus on their progress. They persevere and make consistency a habit consciously.

4. They Show Empathy To Others And Aspire To Help Make The World A Better Place

Mentally strong people do not compete, look down on or compare themselves with others. Their experiences have humbled them enough to see that everyone is just human; doing their best with what they have, and that no one is better than another. They know what it’s life to have tried and to have failed many times before succeeding, and they often desire to help other people reach their goals.

They believe that happiness comes from within, and that it’s something only we can create for ourselves. At the same time, they will help guide those who are struggling to succeed.

They see the deep potential in each person, and feel a deep love for them, realizing how wonderful and beautiful the world can be if we just spend a little time nurturing the best in everyone; things like love, compassion and kindness.

5.They Are Enthusiastic About Learning New Things, And Aren’t Afraid To Leave Their Comfort Zone To Go Beyond Their Own Limits

Strong minded people are very passionate about learning new things. They break free from past limitations and confining habits in order to experience the best that life has to offer. They know that the only constant in life is change, and they aren’t afraid to let go of the good to go for the great.

To them, living life to the full means following their hearts and doing what they want and need to do. There is always something out there, something worth exploring and learning about.

How to better themselves and their lives is a constant topic in the mind of a mentally strong person. They know there is always room for improvement, room to achieve more, room to become a better version of themselves.

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6. Mentally Strong People Stay Optimistic And Free Their Minds From The Past

The key to taking action is belief in a successful result, and mentally strong people know that. In order to continually persist and move forward, they learn how to succeed, and then stay positive, knowing that their actions will eventually lead to good results.

Strong people do not let themselves overly dwell on or overthink the past. Yes, people make a lot of mistakes and sometimes these memories can drag us down in the present, but for strong-minded people, there is no point in being stuck in the past.

The present moment is too exciting and filled with too many opportunities to miss. They know it’s possible to have an even brighter today than yesterday was, and prefer new wonderful experiences rather than only re-living the glories of yesterday in their minds.

They know lingering in the past will only slow them down.

7. Being Prepared

They know that being prepared is half the battle to success.

Before making their decisions, mentally strong people are careful to consider every angle and consequence that will result. They know that action is more important than over-thinking, but like to plan things out in advance.

Once they’ve decided and are in a calm state of mind, they plan out their path to success, and then follow through with the persistence and consistency that is sure to get them what they want.

In short, being mentally strong means possessing the learned skills to deal with the challenges and circumstances that our careers, family, relationships and society place on us. We should not be discouraged when challenges arise, but rather accept every circumstance as a learning opportunity, knowing that eventually the path of our strong wills leads to the happiness, enjoyment and the successes we’ve dreamed of in our hearts.

“Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication that allows the other person to know beyond a doubt that they matter.”

Hugging is a beautiful expression of love, and also a way of healing. Research shows that Hugging (and laughter too!) is very effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, anxiety, depression and stress.

Here are 11 reasons to give and receive at least 7 hugs each day according to research:

1. Hugs Built Trust

The nurturing embrace of a warm hug builds trust between people and also a feeling of safety. This loving environment can improve communication and help both the giver and the receiver to be more open and honest during communication.

2. Hugs Boost Oxytocin Levels

Hugs instantly boost oxytocin levels, which is known as the “the love hormone”. According to psychologist Matt Hertenstein, “Oxytocin is a neuropeptide, which basically promotes feelings of devotion, trust and bonding. It really lays the biological foundation and structure for connecting to other people.” Hugs make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, and help to heal and alleviate feelings of loneliness, anger, and isolation.

3. Long Hugs Boost Serotonin levels

Hugging for a prolonged period of time increases one’s serotonin levels, which improves mood and creates the feelings of happiness.

https://youtu.be/x-dl1EFeezA

4. Hugs Strengthen The Immune System

The gentle pressure felt on the solar plexus while hugging not only brings about pleasant feelings, but it also can stimulate the thymus gland, which helps to regulate and balance the body’s creation of white blood cells, which keep your body healthy and free of illness.

5. Hugging Increases Self-Esteem

From the time we are born, loving and caring touch and cuddling from our parents helps to communicate to us that we are loved, and it also helps babies to feel calm, safe and in many cases, being held often close to the Mother’s chest improves their health.

The biological functions and positive learned associations of hugs related to our health, safety and self-worth stay imbedded in our nervous systems as we become adults. Hugging later then can remind us mentally, emotionally and physically of the loved and precious human beings that we are, helping us to feel and love ourselves more. Well hugged babies are also less stressed as adults.

6. Hugging Relaxes Muscles

Hugging can release tension that is held in the body, helping to alleviate pain and sooth aches by increasing the blood circulation into the soft tissues.

7. Hugging Alleviates Fears

In a study on fears and self-esteem, research published in the journal Psychological Science revealed that hugs and touch significantly reduce worry of mortality. The studies found that hugging — even if only an inanimate object such as a stuffed animal — helps soothe individuals’ existential fears.

“Even fleeting and seemingly trivial instances of interpersonal touch may help people to deal more effectively with existential concern,” lead researcher Sander Koole wrote in the study. “Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects that simulate touch by another person may help to instill in people a sense of existential significance.”

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8. Hugs Help Balance The Nervous System

The galvanic skin response of someone giving and receiving a hug shows changes in skin conductance. The effects concerning moisture and electricity in the skin has suggested a more balanced, parasympathetic nervous system. In short, give more hugs! 🙂

9. Hugging Is Good For The Heart

Lovingly embracing someone not only warms your heart, but one study found that a hug can also be good medicine. In an experiment at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill , participants who didn’t have any contact with their partners developed a quickened heart rate of 10 beats per minute compared to the five beats per minute among those who got to hug their partners during the experiment.

10. Hugs Bring Us Out Of Our Minds And Into Our Hearts

Similar to any form physical exercise, hugging can help us to stop overthinking and to bring our attention to our bodies and to the love in our hearts. This practice is very similar to meditation and the practice of mindfulness; of being in the moment.

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11. Hugs Promote Love And Compassion In The World

Whether it’s your partner, a family member, a friend, or a homeless person you wanted to encourage, hugs show the other person that they are loved and valued, and this promotes compassion in the world.

Take a few extra moments this week to hug the ones you love. Hugs not only bless you, the giver, but they bless the receiver as well.

You are loved.

“I want to go on a road trip, listen to good music, and discover beautiful places.”

Experienced drivers know that having a car is not easy. From dealing with many little problems, to making sure your vehicle is kept safe, there’s a lot to be learned about having a car.

Here are some 12 useful tips that can be helpful for both beginners and experienced drivers:

№ 12. Got a scratch? Use Nail Polish. It works wonders.

Before applying that nail polish on, make sure it is the same shade or color as your car. There are so many different varieties of nail polish colors on the market, so it should be easy to find one that matches the color of your car.

Apply it evenly to the scratch and as soon as it dries, buff the area a little until it’s smooth.

№ 11. Clear nail polish can stop a windshield crack.

When a rock hits the windshield and causes a small crack, you can use this technique to stop the crack from growing bigger.

All you need is a clear nail polish: Apply 2-3 layers of clear nail polish on the crack to stop it from getting bigger.

№ 10. Turn the steering wheel when you need to leave the car for a short time.

Leaving your car parked in the scorching heat of the sun can make your steering wheel really hot upon your return.

This is a technique to avoid having to touch a hot steering wheel: all you need to do is to turn 180 degrees (upside down) before leaving the car, then when you return and begin driving, your hands will be rested on the cool side of the wheel.

№ 9. Protect your eyes from the bright Sun.

Many experienced drivers use this trick to reduce bright sun rays while driving.

Use an acrylic sheet and attach it to the windshield. Acrylic is easily attached to the windshield thanks to static electricity, and it protects your eyes from ultraviolet rays very well. Make sure the road is still highly visible through the acrylic sheet that you choose.

№ 8. A bay leaf will help prevent car sickness.

If you get motion sickness or car-sick, putting a bay leaf under your tongue before the trip can help, as the bay leaf relaxes both your tummy and your nervous system.

№ 7. A clever glasses holder.

Aside from protecting your eyes from the sun, sun visors are also useful in keeping your glasses from falling and getting lost in your car. Sun visors are also good places to keep your parking vouchers, and you can get an extra clip to keep it on the visor.

№ 6. A lemon helps prevent drowsiness while driving.

Some citrus fruits work just like a cup of coffee.

Putting a slice of lemon under your tongue will help to wake you up. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so we recommend not driving if you are tired. The best option is to pull over and take a nap, then when you’re rested resume driving.

№ 5. Enhanced cupholder.

You can put a silicone cupcake case to effective use by placing it at the bottom of your car’s cupholder. The cupcake case will collect all of the little pieces of trash and crumbs that get in there, making it super easy to clean.

№ 4. Hang a tennis ball in the garage for easier parking.

Hang a piece of string tied to a tennis ball from the roof of your garage, and measure the distance so that the tennis ball touches the windshield when you are 1.5-2 feet from the wall. This is a great way to keep you from running into the end of the garage, and can save you the stress of having to repair your call and the wall. It also helps so that you have room to walk in front of your car.

№ 3. Checking the oil quality.

Here is a unique way to check the oil quality in your engine.

First, heat the engine for 5-10 minutes then turn the ignition off.

Open your car hood and put a couple drops of oil from your engine on a sheet of white paper. Place the sheet of paper carefully in a warm place and allow 2 hours for it to dry.

Then check the result:

• A spot with smooth edges means the oil is good because it is not mixed with water.

• If the center of the spot is dark or gray it means it is time to change the oil because the oil is dirty.

• If you observe some bits of metal on the paper, it indicates some internal engine parts are being damaged because of low-quality oil. Upgrade to higher quality oil.

• If you see a light gray or brown spot on the paper, there are particles in the oil that have not dissolved. The oil also needs a change.

№ 2. Checking the gas quality.

You can do this by using another sheet of white paper and some gas. A drop of gas on a sheet of white paper is enough. Blow on the drop of gas and wait for it to evaporate.

You can tell that you are using a gas if the paper is still white. But if you see a greasy spot there is kerosene in it.

This is how you can check your gas for resin:
This time, you will need a glass instead of paper to check for resin in your gas. After putting a small drop of gas on a piece of glass (the bottom of a bowl works well), set it on fire. After it burns, observe the resulting color. White is negative for resin and Brown is positive for resin. Resin damages your car engine.

This is how you can check if water was added to the gas:
To check for the presence of water in your gas, you will need a clear jar and manganese solution. Pour gas and some manganese solution in the jar. Mix it well by shaking the jar.

After shaking it, observe the solution and its color. Dissolved manganese crystals and a purple to pink color indicate the presence of water in your gas.

№ 1. Super fast car ventilation.

If you return to your car and it is extremely hot inside, use this technique. Open one door and one front window on the opposite side. Then open and close the door and this will cause you to fan the air out of the car, cooling it down.

Not only does this facilitate proper ventilation, but it can also free the car of odors.

Have you used any of these tips before? Let us know in the comments. You are loved.