Why Baby Animals are Born in Spring

Baby Animals are Born in Spring

It’s not just because the weather’s warmer.

Why are baby farm animals typically born in the spring? And it’s not just because the weather’s better. Enjoy our seasonal weather post—and, of course, cute baby animal pictures!

Many animals and birds have their babies after the start of spring. Why?

    1. Of course, springtime does provide the best weather conditions for the animals to give birth. The temperatures rise and there is less chance of harsh weather.
    2. Also, the increased day length means that animals have longer to find food for their young.
    3. However, it’s not just warm temperatures and daylight that they need. Air pressure is also important! The University of Arkansas scientists report that spring calves tend to be born when barometric (air) pressure is high.

High air pressure discourages rainfall (think “high and dry”). Calves born when the pressure is high are more likely to have some healthy dry weather before they have to deal with cold springtime rains and snow. (Can you tell I’ve been spending a lot of time among cattle raisers this month!)

4. For most grazing animals, spring is the time when food is becoming plentiful, too. The warmer days and regular rainfall during spring mean plants such as grass grow well.

Many mammal mothers need fresh green grass and other plants which are rich in nutrients to produce lots of milk for their calf. These plants can have a higher percentage of protein and ‘total digestible nutrients’. This can lead to better milk production for the babies.

Most calves are born between February and May because of this reason.

Did you know: Mid-latitude animals born in spring have the best chance of survival? Tropical animals, where food is easily available all year round, are born during any season. For most middle-latitude animals, it is a delicate balance between being born late enough to avoid the last snowstorm and early enough to be well-developed to face the rigors of fall and winter.

The correlation between animal births and springtime has made baby animals symbols of rebirth and hope.

Ever notice the pictures of lambs, chicks, fawns, and bunnies festooning Easter cards?

Bunnies and Easter

Where did the Easter Bunny come from? After all, rabbits do not restrain reproduction to springtime.

There are many reasons, often related to fertility. Did you know that rabbits can conceive one litter while still pregnant with another? European superstition, not knowing this, believed that rabbits were giving virgin birth. So rabbits became a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

At the same time, one of the first signs of spring in Europe was the rabbits leaving their burrows and “frolicking”. So the long-eared critters became the symbol of springtime, fertility, Mother Mary, and rebirth.

Whatever your weather, it’s a season of rebirth and renewal—and who doesn’t love adorable baby animals?

Source: almanac.com ~ By: James J. Garriss ~ Image: Canva Pro

Top 9 Network Marketing Tips On How To Network Like a Boss!

Network Marketing Tips

1. Know Your Why

This isn’t #1 out of my 9 network marketing tips for nothing…

To thrive and be successful in anything in life, you must know your “why.”

This is your driving force and motivating factor for making something happen, otherwise you won’t be bothered to get it done.

What are your reasons for considering starting an online business in network marketing? 

Is it because you are looking for financial freedom?  

Want to be able to spend more time with your kids?

Looking to travel the globe and have greater flexibility with your time?

Get super clear on what your WHY is and then commit to it 

2. Get Clear On What Need Your Product Or Service Is Fulfilling

It’s important to identify the need or want that your product or service can fulfill.

For example, by someone joining your network marketing business, you can help them address a need for additional finances.

Maybe the health and wellness products you sell can help people with their aspirations to stay healthy and look after themselves.

This is going to help you hone in on the reasoning behind everything you do and how it can impact others’ lives.

3. Identify Your Target Market

Your target audience is the people most likely to have the above need or want.

A ‘spray and pray’ approach where you sell to everyone is not going to work, period. 

As an example, my target audience is mums that are either stay-at-home or full-time employed and are looking to make an extra income and have more time with their family.

4. Decide On A Goal 

Now that you have determined your why and you have your big dream outlined, it’s time to set some short and long-term business goals that will help you reach your dream.

This is something your upline or sponsor (the person you signed up with) can help give you guidance on.

5. Be Genuine And Ethical

Out of all the network marketing tips I have to share, this is possibly the one that makes or breaks most careers in the space.

If you can show up with integrity in everything you do, be genuine, and be ethical and people will trust you!

For many years direct selling and network marketing have received a bad reputation due to reps who have used hype — and oftentimes deception — in order to get new recruits to sign on.

It’s from this behavior that many people are led to believe that MLM companies themselves encourage this behavior when in all honesty, they simply don’t!

Legitimate MLM companies like Forever Living expect you to be honest in how you deal with customers and potential recruits.

If you truly believe in a product and the benefit it can bring to a person, your genuine enthusiasm and the quality of the product will be enough to promote it.  

Avoid making any over-the-top or exaggerated or false claims and just be authentic and true to yourself!

6. Don’t Pester Your Friends and Family

The absolute last thing you want to do is piss off (excuse my terrible French) any family or friends and have them call you crazy because you won’t leave them alone.

There’s nothing wrong in sharing with them what you’re doing, but if they’re not interested, then take “no” as “no” and move the hell on.

These can often be the people who are initially very skeptical, but once they see your success they can be more open to the opportunity.

The proof is all in the pudding!

7. Sponsor, Don’t Recruit

One of the great advantages of building an MLM business is the potential to bring in new business builders and profit from the sales they make in their business.

Now you may be thinking, “isn’t that using others you selfish sod?” 

While it may seem like this, in reality, you’re being rewarded for helping others succeed.

But in order for them to truly succeed, you have to take your role as a trainer and leader seriously, not just rack up as many recruits as possible — quality over quantity!

The focus should always be on the success of those you help in the business, not solely on you.

8. Learn How To Market And Create An Action Plan & Strategy 

The best leads will always be the ones you find yourself and who are genuinely interested in your product or service.

If you’ve ever wondered how to market your network marketing business, here are a couple of ideas (that can be seen as a bunch of extra network marketing tips) below of where you can get started with network marketing online and in person.

  • Create a website: 

Take a look at the policies of the company you’re working with to see what they allow regarding websites. I have my own website as Forever Living allows us to do that, which is really helpful.

  • Build an email list: 

The first step is creating awareness and getting people to take an interest in what you have — by visiting your website, for example.

Next is to get those leads to subscribe to your email list. You can do this by getting them to sign up by offering them something for free — like what I’m offering you below:

  • Write articles or blogs:

You could either write content related to what you’re offering for other websites or for your own if you have one or are planning on creating one.

Don’t just write with a hard sell, the purpose is to offer your audience golden nuggets of information that can help or benefit them from reading it.

  • Network marketing on social media:

Just posting about what you’re offering may not garner much results from social media.

You will have to be a bit more creative and strategic to your approach. 

An example would be, if you are selling wellness products that help you lose weight, share before and after images that show results, or create videos that depict how you use a certain wellness product in the kitchen when you’re cooking.

I’ve actually written a book all about how I used social media to double my business.

  • Develop a referral program:

You will find that many people you initially talk to won’t be interested in buying right away, but they may know people who would be keen on what you’re selling.

Happy customers may want to share your product or business, so a great way to leverage this is by creating some sort of referral program which can give people incentive to refer others to you.

  • Go to events or create your own and network: 

Get out there and meet people at any different networking events that are happening in your area.

Another option is to host your own events, like a pamper and Prosecco evening where you invite people and ask them to bring a friend with them.

This is a great way to meet new people and who doesn’t love networking with some wine?!

9. Stand Out from Other Distributors

A challenging aspect of starting an online business in network marketing can be convincing prospects to buy or join with you as opposed to the other reps they may know…

How to be successful in network marketing? Well, you’re all selling the same stuff at the end of the day, so it’s incredibly important to differentiate yourself within the market.

Ultimately people will gravitate towards you for your “uniqueness” and if they feel they will get something more with you.

You want to give people a reason to choose you over any other reps.

Source: Adam Donato ~ Image: Canva Pro

The Network Marketing Business Model: Is it Right for You?

3 Different Types of Network Marketing Programs

Network marketing is a business model that relies on a network of distributors to grow a business. It typically involves using three basic types of systematic strategies to make money: lead generation, recruiting, and building and management. There are many types of network marketing, including single-tier, two-tier, and multi-level.

Single-Tier Network Marketing

With single-tier network marketing, you sign up for a company’s affiliate program to sell its products or services. You do not need to recruit other distributors, and all your pay comes from direct sales. Avon, the popular beauty company, uses single-tier networking marketing.

In some online affiliate programs, you get paid for the traffic you drive to the affiliate’s website. Pay-per-click (PPC) and pay-per-lead (PPL) affiliate programs are other examples of single-tier networking.

Two-Tier Network Marketing

Unlike single-tier network marketing, two-tier network marketing does involve some recruiting, but your pay isn’t solely dependent on it. You get paid for direct sales (or traffic you drive to a website) and for direct sales or referred traffic made by affiliates or distributors you recruit to work under you. An example of a two-tier program is Ken Envoy’s Site Sell.

Multi-Level Marketing

Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is a distribution-based marketing network that contains two or more tiers. Two other types of network marketing strategies are marketing-driven networks and name-driven network marketing. Some MLM programs allow you to make money five or more tiers deep, so there may be incentives for recruiting. Examples of MLM businesses include LuLaRoe, Magnetic Sponsoring, and Amway.

Network Marketing as a Business Model

If you are thinking of starting a business that will rely on multi-level marketing of any kind, be sure you have a solid marketing team at the very core of your organization. The stronger your base of marketers, the better your chances for long-term success.

Not everyone who wants to sell something will be good at it, but if you have someone excited about your business who might not be a perfect fit for your sales team, find another spot for them. Marketing is critical to the success of any business, but don’t forget that sincerity and genuine enthusiasm about a company or product is a form of marketing in and of itself. If your only incentive to your sales team is money, they may cut corners or mislead others in an attempt to earn more for themselves.

You should also take the time to research your own state’s laws regarding network marketing to make sure that your business is fully compliant. Deceptive marketing practices and pyramid schemes can land you in legal trouble if you are not careful.

Hire People Excited About Your Company

Marketing is part industry-driven and part creative thinking. With network marketing, it is also about finding salespeople with enthusiasm. When you hire people who are excited about your business and product, they will share that enthusiasm with others. An enthusiastic sales force leads to more sales and recruits into your marketing network.

Source: thebalancesmb.com ~ BY: Lahle Wolfe

 

3 Steps to Heal Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is estimated to affect around 80% of people in the world! According to James Wilson (author of “Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome”), chronic stress and lifestyle affect the body’s ability to recuperate from physical, mental, or emotional stress.”

Whether for a short time, or a chronic condition, most people will struggle with adrenal fatigue at some point in their life.

Do you sometimes have:

            • body aches
            • trouble concentrating
            • racing thoughts
            • moodiness and irritability
            • constant tiredness
            • feeling overwhelmed
            • hormone imbalance
            • cravings for sweet and salty foods

These symptoms can be indicative of a few different disorders and are often overlooked by doctors, but more and more people are starting to realize that a combination of these could indicate the onset of adrenal fatigue also known as adrenal insufficiency.

And if you have adrenal fatigue, it can also be a major cause of excess fat storage and low energy levels. So, let’s talk about exactly what your adrenal glands do and how you can heal adrenal fatigue in 3 simple steps.

Your Amazing Adrenal Glands

Your adrenal glands are two thumb-sized organs that sit above your kidneys that are part of the endocrine system. Also known as the suprarenal glands, they are involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function, many of which are essential for life.

Hormones affect every function, organ, and tissue in the body directly or indirectly. They react to each other, as well as respond to conditions in the body, in an intricate and highly sensitive balancing act. The adrenal glands work closely with the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in a system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).

Adrenal glands play a huge role in the stress response. Your brain registers a threat—whether it is emotional, mental or physical. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline hormones to help you react to the threat (the fight-or-flight response), rushing blood to your brain, heart, and muscles. The adrenal cortex then releases corticosteroids to dampen processes like digestion, immune system response, and other functions not necessary for immediate survival.

Your adrenal glands are responsible for balancing hormones such as:

Glucocorticoids – hormones that balance your body’s blood sugar, help with energy and food metabolism, help your body handle stress, and manage your immune response. (Example: cortisol)

Mineralocorticoids – hormones that maintain healthy blood pressure, manage your blood hydration level and keep your blood healthy by keeping salt and water in balance. (Ex: Aldosterone)

Sex hormones – estrogen and testosterone

Adrenaline – hormones that affect your heart health, make sure that all parts of the body are getting blood and converting glycogen into glucose in your liver.

What Causes Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a condition where your body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience. Sometimes misunderstood as an auto-immune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic some precursors to other common illnesses and diseases.

Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged, chronic stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective. They believe that adrenal fatigue can be caused by:

      • Stressful experiences like the death of a loved one, divorce, or surgery
      • Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
      • Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness
      • Negative thinking and emotional trauma
      • Lack of sleep
      • Poor diet and lack of exercise

Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, severe adrenal fatigue symptoms may actually be Addison’s disease.

Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms

What happens when the adrenal glands stop producing hormones efficiently? Every bodily function is affected and as adrenal hormone levels shrink, even the normal get-up-and-go you get from them disappears. Adrenal fatigue symptoms include:

      • Morning fatigue or trouble waking up
      • Decreased libido
      • Depression
      • Muscle weakness
      • Poor focus
      • Bone loss
      • Inflammation
      • Increased allergies
      • Difficulty sleeping
      • Irritability
      • Fatigue
      • Cravings for sugar
      • Hair loss
      • Weight gain
      • Muscle tension
      • Inability to tolerate high carb/potassium foods unless paired with fat and protein

If you’ve experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects, take heart, there are now many natural ways to treat and support your adrenal system.

The 3 Steps to Heal Adrenal Fatigue

Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves reducing stress on your body and your mind, eliminating toxins, avoiding negative thinking, and replenishing your body with healthy food and positive thoughts.

1. Adrenal Fatigue Diet

In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. There are a number of foods that support adrenal function. They will help replenish your adrenal energy so your system can come back to full health. But first, you must start by removing any hard-to-digest foods and any toxins or chemicals in your environment.

The idea is to remove anything that taxes your adrenals. Foods to avoid are:

Caffeine: This can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it hard for your adrenals to recover. If you must drink coffee or a caffeinated beverage, then have a limited amount in the morning before noon.

Sugar & sweeteners: Includes avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners as well. Avoid sugary foods, cereals, candy, sweets, etc. Be aware that sugar my an additive in bread, condiments, and dressings. Try to avoid as much extra sugar as possible. Use raw honey or stevia as an alternative.

Processed and Microwaved foods: First of all the microwave has its own dangers, but additionally, most microwaveable foods have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out your body’s energy and digestion cycle. Try to buy food on the outer walls of your grocery store and prepare your own food whenever possible.

Hydrogenated Oils: Vegetable oils like soybean, canola, and corn oil are highly inflammatory which can lead to adrenal inflammation. Try to only use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter, or ghee.

Next, you will want to add nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and have healing qualities. Some of the top superfoods for adrenal health include:

      • Coconut
      • Olives
      • Avocado
      • Sea Salt
      • Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc.)
      • Fatty fish, e.g. wild-caught salmon
      • Chicken and turkey
      • Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
      • Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia, and flax
      • Kelp and seaweed
      • Celtic or Himalayan sea salt

These foods help overcome adrenal insufficiency because they are nutrient-dense, low in sugar, and have healthy fat and fiber.

See also my healing diet for more food suggestions.

2. Adrenal Fatigue Supplements

Another big key to overcoming adrenal fatigue is taking the right supplements. I always recommend eating the right foods to heal your body. However, due to soil depletion (from over-farmed and unhealthy farming practices), many fruits and vegetables do not have the same amount of nutrition that they did even 50 years ago. So, certain adrenal-boosting nutrients are needed to get your adrenal function back up such as:

      • Ashwagandha
      • Holy basil
      • Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
      • Magnesium
      • Vitamin B5
      • Vitamin B12
      • Vitamin C
      • Vitamin D3
      • Zinc

Taking these supplements in their whole food form could greatly improve your symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

3. Adrenal Fatigue Stress Reduction

The last and most important key to restoring your adrenal function is to treat your mind and stress needs. Pay attention to your body!

      1. Rest when you feel tired as much as possible.<
      2. Sleep 8-10 hours a night regular sleep cycle. Ideally, in bed before 10pm
      3. Laugh and do something fun every day
      4. Minimize work and relational stress
      5. Eat on a regular food cycle and reduce sugar and caffeine
      6. Exercise (even moderate exercise and walking can help)
      7. Avoid negative people and self-talk
      8. Take time for yourself (do something relaxing)
      9. Seek counsel or support for any traumatic experiences

Let’s talk about “self-talk” for a minute. Our body is made to heal.  However, the words we say have a great impact on our bodies and our ability to heal. Regardless of what diet and supplements you take, your environment is one of the most important components.

So, be kind to yourself. Try to avoid saying negative things about yourself and others. It is important to choose to be around positive people and stay positive about yourself as well.

Adrenal Insufficiency Recovery Time

Recovery from adrenal fatigue can take a little while. After all, it took months, maybe years to wear out your adrenals; so it takes a little time to build up their strength again. For full adrenal recovery, you can expect it to take:

      • 6-9 months for minor adrenal fatigue
      • 12-18 months for moderate fatigue
      • Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigue

The best approach is to make solid changes to your lifestyle for lasting results. If you aim for a balanced lifestyle with a healthy level of sleep, exercise, fun, and a positive environment, then you are most likely to keep your adrenal system going strong!

To learn more about some of the natural treatments for adrenal fatigue read some of my articles about how ‪Ashwagandha Benefits Thyroid and Adrenals and check out this article about ‪Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Cures.

Source: draxe.com

10 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

How 9 Health Experts Stick to Their Resolutions
If you’re gearing up for a new year — and a “new you” — in 2017, you’re in good company. Even top health experts admit they want to take better care of their bodies and minds. Wondering how they stay on track? You’re in luck. We asked nine experts, from doctors to dietitians, how they stay motivated to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Here are their top tips.

1. Get your priorities straight.

Every year, I set a few goals, but I use a tier-like system. At the top are goals I absolutely have to complete (this year, it’s being more mindful). Next are those I want to complete, and finally, I set a stretch goal that would be nice to complete by the end of the year (like completing a century ride or marathon). Often, I choose goals based on the previous year and how I can make my life easier or more enjoyable the next year. I recommend taking the time to write down what you want and why. (For example, being mindful helps me re-center and remember what counts in my busy life.) Keep that list somewhere visible, read or look at it daily, and remember the reason you’re taking this journey.

— Brunilda Nazario, MD, associate medical director at WebMD

2. Go easy on yourself.

I view all new habits as an experiment rather than a judgment on my worthiness or skills. Meaning, I don’t beat myself up if something doesn’t stick the first time I try it. Instead, I ask myself: What worked? What didn’t work? And what could I do differently next time to achieve better results? I do this until I have a clear understanding of what stops me from doing something and what keeps me from doing it, then I make sure those conditions are met. If I can make it so action is easy and rewarding enough to do regularly, then I win.

— Darya Rose, PhD, author of Foodist: Using Real Food and Real Science to Lose Weight Without Dieting

3. Take small steps.

Scheduling small steps toward goals is a key to success. For example, I have set the goal of having dessert only 2 times per week (down from 4 times!) and going to yoga twice per week. For yoga, I will look at my calendar at the beginning of the week and see where I can fit it in. Even though sometimes this is challenging as a working mom, I will try my hardest to get it done. The hope is that after several weeks, it will become a good habit.

— Hansa Bhargava, MD, medical editor and expert pediatrician at WebMD

4. Remember the real goal.

People tend to forget what health is for. Health is not the prize — a better life is the prize. Healthy people have more fun: more vitality, more energy, more capability, more time. Once you understand how abundantly investments in health pay you back, staying motivated simply isn’t an issue.— David L. Katz, MD, founding director, Yale University Prevention Research Center

5. Make it a joint effort.

I do my best when I link my health goals with someone else. I exercise in the mornings with my husband. I don’t like to cancel on him, so it helps me drag myself out of bed. I want my kids to have healthy eating habits, which motivates me to make good choices with them when we’re out to dinner or snacking at home. And at the office, I like to walk and do yoga with co-workers. If I put it on my schedule, I have to go just like any other meeting!— Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, medical editor at WebMD

6. Track your progress daily.

I write my resolutions in a daily planner, then review and re-read them every day when I sit down to check my calendar. Each of my resolutions is quantifiable on a day-to-day basis, and I have direct control over my progress toward achieving them. For example, the common New Year’s resolution of “weight loss” is not actionable: You can’t wake up and “do” weight loss, but you can wake up and have eggs with a side of fruit.

 — Mike Roussell, PhD, nutritional consultant and author of The 6 Pillars of Nutrition

7. Thank your body.

Research shows that our mindset and overall approach to life have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Every time you hear a negative thought in your head (“I am fat, I am awful”), counter it with a positive one (“I am beautiful, I am wonderful”). It may feel weird at first, but over time, nurturing a positive voice strengthens it. Once you realize how hard your body is working to keep you alive 24/7, it makes sense to support it, giving it the tools it needs to be healthy such as eating a mostly plant-based diet, exercising, and managing stress.

— Samantha Heller, registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, and author of The Only Cleanse

8. Schedule it.

In 2017, I will include at least 10 minutes of daily meditation, as well as deep breathing exercises throughout the day. The best way I’ve found to keep myself accountable is through a regular schedule. So I include 10 minutes of meditation at the end of my daily physical activity. That way, I can ensure I work on both a healthy body and a healthy mind on a daily basis.

— Michael Smith, MD, chief medical editor at WebMD

9. Find what’s fun for you.

Instead of making exercise a chore, I do what makes me happy. For me, that means a twice-weekly dance class at my gym. It’s fun, and that motivates me to show up each time!

— Michelle Gielan, positive psychology researcher and author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change

Source: webmd.com ~ By: Locke Hughes ~ Image: Canva Pro

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