theheartysoul--2020-04-29--Leopard Mother Crossing Road With Two Cubs Captured In Extremely Rare Footage

The opportunity to witness wildlife in action is rare , but always exciting .
Even rarer is the chance to see a wild animal with her babies .
Visitors to Kruger National Park in South Africa , before the park closed due to the coronavirus , had the opportunity to see just that .
As tourists looked on from their cars , a mother leopard taught her two tiny cubs a very important life lesson : how to cross a busy road .
The scene was caught on camera by Thinus Delport , who had brought his two daughters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ singing is what caused the big cat to emerge , of course , is impossible to know , but regardless , the girls got to witness an extraordinarily rare sight .
Delport , who has been visiting Kruger for more than fifty years , has never even seen a leopard in the park , let alone a leopard with its babies .
The video shows the mother leopard first emerging from the bushes , then walking into the middle of the street to make sure it was safe .
She then returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her cubs .
One of her babies had a little more trouble , and cried out to its mother for assistance .
You can watch the entire video below .
Read : Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves Leopard sightings are rare because the big cats prefer to remain hidden , lurking in dense bush , and usually only emerge in the late afternoon or at night to hunt .
It is the second-biggest African cat next to the lion , however unlike the lion , it does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all [ 3 ] .
Leopards are highly adaptable cats , and so can be found in a variety of habitats , ranging from deserts to rainforests .
They are widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa , however , their populations in western and northern Africa , as well as the Middle East , Russia , and Asia have been reduced .
This ability to adapt to a wide range of environments has allowed leopards to fare better than many other big cats , however , they have been eliminated from approximately 37 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest threat to leopards is the loss of habitat and prey , as well as being killed by farmers who are trying to protect their livestock .
They are heavily hunted in southern Asia for their skin and bones , and in central Africa , they are hunted for their skin , teeth , and claws .
They could also be driven to extinction in tropical forests because of competition from bushmeat hunters [ 4 ] .
Witnessing majestic creatures like leopards in their natural habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be viewed respectfully , and from a distance .
Wildlife is best learned through quiet observation .
You should not disturb them in an effort to get a closer look , as you could scare them and force them to flee .
You should never feed , touch , or attempt to pick up wild animals , because it is stressful for them , and they could be carrying rabies or other diseases [ 5 ] .
We are lucky to be able to share our planet with such a wide variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our responsibility to act in such a way that does not negatively affect them , or reduce their chances of survival .
Keep Reading : With No Tourists , Australian Scuba Tours Are Planting Coral Instead

The opportunity to witness wildlife in action is rare, but always exciting. Even rarer is the chance to see a wild animal with her babies. Visitors to Kruger National Park in South Africa, before the park closed due to the coronavirus, had the opportunity to see just that.
Mother Leopard Stops Traffic
As tourists looked on from their cars, a mother leopard taught her two tiny cubs a very important life lesson: how to cross a busy road. The scene was caught on camera by Thinus Delport, who had brought his two daughters to the park.
“Early morning, my daughters and I left the camp looking for leopards. They were convinced that there are no leopards in the Kruger, as neither of them had ever seen one,” said Delport. “As we drove, I jokingly convinced them to start singing in the car, to draw the leopards out, and so they did – and to my surprise – it actually worked.” [1]
Whether or not the singing is what caused the big cat to emerge, of course, is impossible to know, but regardless, the girls got to witness an extraordinarily rare sight.
Delport, who has been visiting Kruger for more than fifty years, has never even seen a leopard in the park, let alone a leopard with its babies.
“This was an extremely rare sighting, and you don’t often get to see a leopard mother relocate her cubs when they are still so young,” he said. “This just came to show that patience really does pay off,” [2].
The video shows the mother leopard first emerging from the bushes, then walking into the middle of the street to make sure it was safe. She then returned to the side of the road to retrieve her cubs. One of her babies had a little more trouble, and cried out to its mother for assistance. You can watch the entire video below.
Read: Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves
Anti-Social Animals
Leopard sightings are rare because the big cats prefer to remain hidden, lurking in dense bush, and usually only emerge in the late afternoon or at night to hunt. It is the second-biggest African cat next to the lion, however unlike the lion, it does not roar, or typically make any sound at all [3].
Leopards are highly adaptable cats, and so can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to rainforests. They are widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, however, their populations in western and northern Africa, as well as the Middle East, Russia, and Asia have been reduced.
This ability to adapt to a wide range of environments has allowed leopards to fare better than many other big cats, however, they have been eliminated from approximately 37 percent of their African range.
The biggest threat to leopards is the loss of habitat and prey, as well as being killed by farmers who are trying to protect their livestock. They are heavily hunted in southern Asia for their skin and bones, and in central Africa, they are hunted for their skin, teeth, and claws. They could also be driven to extinction in tropical forests because of competition from bushmeat hunters [4].
Respect Wildlife
Witnessing majestic creatures like leopards in their natural habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is important to always remember that wildlife should be viewed respectfully, and from a distance.
Wildlife is best learned through quiet observation. You should not disturb them in an effort to get a closer look, as you could scare them and force them to flee. You should never feed, touch, or attempt to pick up wild animals, because it is stressful for them, and they could be carrying rabies or other diseases [5].
We are lucky to be able to share our planet with such a wide variety of incredible creatures, and it is our responsibility to act in such a way that does not negatively affect them, or reduce their chances of survival.
Keep Reading: With No Tourists, Australian Scuba Tours Are Planting Coral Instead


theheartysoul--2020-04-29--Mom of 4 Showed What Childhood Is Like Without TV and Gadgets

Niki Boon took up photography as a hobby while she was living in Scotland and working as a physiotherapist .
In 2008 , she flew to China as a backpacker without a return ticket and only one hotel booking .
For the next years , she visited around 60 countries and gained a new perspective on how she sees the world .
Instead of just focusing on trying to see the most amount ‘ things ’ in the shortest time , she now prefers to immerse herself in the culture and way of life of the places she visits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for photography rekindled when she returned home and started raising her family .
There she created an ongoing photo series called “ Childhood in the Raw.
” It features her four children and their experiences living without technology on the family ’ s 10-acre land in New Zealand .
Boon gifts the photos to each of her children on their birthdays .
She takes inspiration from Alain Laboile , a famous children photographer .
“ There is a bit of work involved when living on the land for sure , ” said Boon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countryside .
“ …and we have animals to tend to .
But the work is , mostly , what we enjoy… and it is great for the kids to gain the sense of what it is to have to work to enjoy what we have , to learn where our food comes from first hand , about new life and death , both very interesting and not always easy life lessons to learn.
” [ 2 ] Boon has made the somewhat controversial choice to raise her kids without exposing them to TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainstays in modern homes .
“ My kids live without TV and modern electronic devices , ” she explains .
“ This is a lifestyle that may seem a bit unconventional to some but I ’ m so happy that I chose to live in this magical place with my family.
” “ I document their days in an environment full of nature and uninhibited play , ” she says about her photo series .
“ It ’ s the physical record of their childhood , life as it is the reality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a childhood rooted deep in my own past , where I enjoyed absolute freedom .
It ’ s a childhood I now pass on to my own children .
I really want others to recall some aspect of their own childhood through my photos.
” Read : Children Need Structure More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist The Effects of Technology on Kids A 2014 study found that even when factoring for healthy food and exercise , technology has been shown to affect the health of teenagers and children .
The researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of the TV , video games , phones , and tech toys , and concluded that parents and caregivers should help reduce their children ’ s screen time overall , since too much screen time has been linked to : Children may rely on technology for amusement and become unable to entertain themselves without it , and this can impact their growth .
Many parents nowadays have memories of playing outside , especially in the summer , without realizing the positive effects of those activities .
Playing outside is not a retro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all children .
Read : Why Children Need Microbes – Not Antibiotics – to Develop Immunity Benefits of Getting Outside If parents are trying to reduce their children ’ s screen time , invite them to the great outdoors .
They will be able to gain the following benefits : • Sunshine and vitamin D , which can improve their immunity • Encouraging creativity , troubleshooting , planning , and multitasking , since free play forces them to make up their own games , amuse themselves , and figure things out for themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child needs to learn .
• Socialization and working well with others in an unstructured setting Read : The Sunday Family Dinner Is Nearly Obsolete , But it ’ s One That ’ s Worth Bringing Back Teaching children independence and the beauty of the great outdoors is something important to Boon .
How her kids interact with nature and how they view the world around them has inspired her photo series .
“ I believe it is best when my children come home all covered in mud , ” says Boon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want and live in harmony with nature .
They belong here — wild and free and nothing stands between their young souls and nature .
“ Living in the countryside involves lots of work , that ’ s true , but it ’ s great for the kids to gain a sense of what it is to have to work to enjoy what we have .
They learn where our food comes from and about life and death .
They perceive and fully understand this world and learn important , yet not always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Physician : American Children ‘ Immersed in a Culture of Disrespect ’

Niki Boon took up photography as a hobby while she was living in Scotland and working as a physiotherapist. In 2008, she flew to China as a backpacker without a return ticket and only one hotel booking. For the next years, she visited around 60 countries and gained a new perspective on how she sees the world. Instead of just focusing on trying to see the most amount ‘things’ in the shortest time, she now prefers to immerse herself in the culture and way of life of the places she visits and photographs. [1]
The passion for photography rekindled when she returned home and started raising her family. There she created an ongoing photo series called “Childhood in the Raw.” It features her four children and their experiences living without technology on the family’s 10-acre land in New Zealand. Boon gifts the photos to each of her children on their birthdays. She takes inspiration from Alain Laboile, a famous children photographer.
“Childhood in the Raw”
“There is a bit of work involved when living on the land for sure,” said Boon, when asked about life in the countryside. “…and we have animals to tend to. But the work is, mostly, what we enjoy… and it is great for the kids to gain the sense of what it is to have to work to enjoy what we have, to learn where our food comes from first hand, about new life and death, both very interesting and not always easy life lessons to learn.” [2]
Boon has made the somewhat controversial choice to raise her kids without exposing them to TV or the electronic gadgets that have become mainstays in modern homes.
“My kids live without TV and modern electronic devices,” she explains. “This is a lifestyle that may seem a bit unconventional to some but I’m so happy that I chose to live in this magical place with my family.”
“I document their days in an environment full of nature and uninhibited play,” she says about her photo series. “It’s the physical record of their childhood, life as it is the reality. And it’s also a reflection of a childhood rooted deep in my own past, where I enjoyed absolute freedom. It’s a childhood I now pass on to my own children. I really want others to recall some aspect of their own childhood through my photos.”
The Effects of Technology on Kids
A 2014 study found that even when factoring for healthy food and exercise, technology has been shown to affect the health of teenagers and children. The researchers referred to screen time as time in front of the TV, video games, phones, and tech toys, and concluded that parents and caregivers should help reduce their children’s screen time overall, since too much screen time has been linked to:
Obesity
Behavioral problems
Sleep issues
Violence
Less time to play
Loss of social skills
Eyestrain
ADHD
Feelings of social isolation
Depression
Anxiety [3]
Children may rely on technology for amusement and become unable to entertain themselves without it, and this can impact their growth. Many parents nowadays have memories of playing outside, especially in the summer, without realizing the positive effects of those activities. Playing outside is not a retro thing; it’s important for all children.
Benefits of Getting Outside
If parents are trying to reduce their children’s screen time, invite them to the great outdoors. They will be able to gain the following benefits:
Sunshine and vitamin D, which can improve their immunity Exercise from active play Encouraging creativity, troubleshooting, planning, and multitasking, since free play forces them to make up their own games, amuse themselves, and figure things out for themselves. These are life skills vital every child needs to learn. Socialization and working well with others in an unstructured setting Appreciation of nature [4]
Read: The Sunday Family Dinner Is Nearly Obsolete, But it’s One That’s Worth Bringing Back
Great Outdoors for the Win
Teaching children independence and the beauty of the great outdoors is something important to Boon. How her kids interact with nature and how they view the world around them has inspired her photo series.
“I believe it is best when my children come home all covered in mud,” says Boon. “They run and play wherever they want and live in harmony with nature. They belong here — wild and free and nothing stands between their young souls and nature.
“Living in the countryside involves lots of work, that’s true, but it’s great for the kids to gain a sense of what it is to have to work to enjoy what we have. They learn where our food comes from and about life and death. They perceive and fully understand this world and learn important, yet not always easy, life lessons.”
[1] Niki Boon Photography. https://www.nikiboonphotos.com/
[2] Greta Jaruševičiūtė. Photographer Mom Documents Her Kids’ Childhood Without Electronic Devices. Bored Panda. https://www.boredpanda.com/raw-childhood-without-electronic-devices-niki-boon-new-zealand/ 2016
[3] Ann Pietrangelo. How Does Technology Affect Your Health? The Good, the Bad, and Tips for Use. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/negative-effects-of-technology May 23, 2019
[4] Claire McCarthy, MD. 6 reasons children need to play outside. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/6-reasons-children-need-to-play-outside-2018052213880 May 22, 2018
[5] Niki Boon. “Children in the Raw.” https://www.instagram.com/nikiboonphoto/


theheartysoul--2020-05-01--This NYC Museum has a 9,000-Pound Amethyst Geode, and it’s Breathtaking

Whether you are a geology aficionado or you just love pretty things that sparkle , the American Museum of Natural History in NYC has given you yet another reason to visit the Big Apple .
After three years of renovations , the redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Hall of Gems and Minerals is set to reopen for the museum ’ s 150th anniversary this fall .
Arguably , the most anticipated exhibit of them all ?
The massive purple amethyst to be displayed front and center .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) The American Museum of Natural History @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been in the process of receiving a much-needed facelift since 2017 .
One of the most exciting changes is to the halls dedicated to displaying the world ’ s precious gems , rocks , and minerals .
In particular , the 12-foot tall , 9,000-pound purple amethyst brought in from Uruguay .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) Formerly known as the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems and the Frank Harry Guggenheim Hall of Minerals has been renamed and redesigned .
The space has been opened up and brightened up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 11,000 square foot exhibit .
( 1 , 2 , 3 ) The exhibit will walk the visitor through the tale of how 4,500 types of minerals on earth came to be , how they are classified , and how humans have used them throughout the centuries .
This story was not one that could have been told just some 40 years ago .
Thanks to some dedicated scientists , we now have an incredible amount of knowledge as to how rocks and minerals are connected to the evolution of the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2 , 3 ) “ Whether you ’ re talking about the spectacular 563-carat Star of India sapphire or the unique almandine ‘ subway garnet ’ unearthed in New York City in 1885 , the American Museum of Natural History is known for having one of the most spectacular and comprehensive collections of gems and minerals in the world , ” said Ellen V. Futter , Museum President .
“ Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Allison and Roberto Mignone , we will now highlight these specimens in new exhibits illuminating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beauty of objects from cultures across the globe.
” ( 2 ) The new exhibit promises to be the perfect blend of biology , culture , and technology .
Read : Arizona Is Home To Ancient , 200 Million-Year-Old Trees , Some Of The World ’ s Oldest !
While the entire exhibit is going to be something to marvel at , there are a few gems ( pun intended ) that stand out from the rest ( 3 ) : • An illuminated gallery that features a fluorescent orange and green-glowing rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 9-pound almandine “ subway ” garnet that was discovered under 35th street in Manhattan in 1885 .
• The Beautiful Creatures exhibit , which features animal-inspired pieces from Tiffany & Co , Cartier , Bulgari , and others .
The tentative reopen date for this magnificent exhibit is sometime in the fall of 2020 .
While there is much uncertainty due to the COVID-19 outbreak as to if , and when exactly that will be , one thing is for sure : when it does open , it will be spectacular .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has Left Behind Beautiful Green Gemstones

Whether you are a geology aficionado or you just love pretty things that sparkle, the American Museum of Natural History in NYC has given you yet another reason to visit the Big Apple. After three years of renovations, the redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Hall of Gems and Minerals is set to reopen for the museum’s 150th anniversary this fall. Arguably, the most anticipated exhibit of them all? The massive purple amethyst to be displayed front and center. (1, 2, 3)
A Long-Awaited Update
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City has been in the process of receiving a much-needed facelift since 2017. One of the most exciting changes is to the halls dedicated to displaying the world’s precious gems, rocks, and minerals. In particular, the 12-foot tall, 9,000-pound purple amethyst brought in from Uruguay. (1, 2, 3)
Formerly known as the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems and the Frank Harry Guggenheim Hall of Minerals has been renamed and redesigned. The space has been opened up and brightened up to better display the splendor that makes up the 11,000 square foot exhibit. (1, 2, 3)
Read:The Beauty of Opalized Petrified Wood
A Story to Tell
The exhibit will walk the visitor through the tale of how 4,500 types of minerals on earth came to be, how they are classified, and how humans have used them throughout the centuries. This story was not one that could have been told just some 40 years ago. Thanks to some dedicated scientists, we now have an incredible amount of knowledge as to how rocks and minerals are connected to the evolution of the planet and to human history. (1, 2, 3)
“Whether you’re talking about the spectacular 563-carat Star of India sapphire or the unique almandine ‘subway garnet’ unearthed in New York City in 1885, the American Museum of Natural History is known for having one of the most spectacular and comprehensive collections of gems and minerals in the world,” said Ellen V. Futter, Museum President. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Allison and Roberto Mignone, we will now highlight these specimens in new exhibits illuminating the latest scientific thinking and revealing the spectacular beauty of objects from cultures across the globe.” (2)
The new exhibit promises to be the perfect blend of biology, culture, and technology.
Read: Arizona Is Home To Ancient, 200 Million-Year-Old Trees, Some Of The World’s Oldest!
Exhibit Highlights
While the entire exhibit is going to be something to marvel at, there are a few gems (pun intended) that stand out from the rest (3):
12-foot tall, 9,000-pound amethyst geodes from Uruguay.
An illuminated gallery that features a fluorescent orange and green-glowing rock the size of a wall.
The 9-pound almandine “subway” garnet that was discovered under 35th street in Manhattan in 1885.
563-carat “Star of India” sapphire.
632-carat Patricia emerald
The Beautiful Creatures exhibit, which features animal-inspired pieces from Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Bulgari, and others.
The tentative reopen date for this magnificent exhibit is sometime in the fall of 2020. While there is much uncertainty due to the COVID-19 outbreak as to if, and when exactly that will be, one thing is for sure: when it does open, it will be spectacular.


theheartysoul--2020-05-01--New Species of Turtle Discovered

New Species of Turtle Discovered

By the year 2020 , you might assume that we have already discovered every animal that exists in our world .
You may be surprised to know that scientists are constantly finding and learning about new animal species- in 2019 scientists discovered 71 new species , and in 2018 scientists described 229 new species of plants and animals [ 1,2 ] .
Scientists have recently added a new turtle to the list .
Uwe Fritz from Germany , along with an international team , have discovered a new species of matamata turtle .
This turtle comes from the genus Chelus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species .
Through genetic analysis , however , they have determined that there is , in fact , a second Chelus species [ 3 ] .
The matamata turtle is very different in appearance than many other turtle species .
It has a large , rough , and knobby shell , and is marked by three ridges that run from the front to the back of the shell .
The animal ’ s neck is wide and flat and is covered in warts and ridges .
Its head is large , flat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snout .
The snout is used as a snorkel , to allow for minimal movement under the water .
The turtle ’ s shape and color help to camouflage it in the murky waters in which it lives , making it harder for it to be seen both by predators and prey [ 4 ] .
According to Fritz , there have been several studies that have pointed out differences between turtles found in the Orinoco River , compared to those in the Amazon River .
Based on that observation , the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the animals ’ genetics to determine whether or not they were truly two different species .
They used 75 DNA samples to prove that the turtles in the different locations were , in fact , well-differentiated species .
The two species are now known as Chelus orinocensis , which live in the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins , and Chelus fimbriata , which lives exclusively in the Amazon [ 3 ] .
The study concluded that thirteen million years ago , the Amazon-Orinoco Basin began to split .
This caused the matamata turtle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to be separated spatially , which gradually caused them to diverge genetically as well [ 3 ] .
Read : Scientists Discovered A Bunch Of New Spiders In Australia And Honestly , They ’ re Pretty Cute The matamata turtle ’ s largest threat is collection for the illegal international pet trade , and thousands of these turtles are confiscated by authorities every year .
The export of these turtles has been banned in Columbia , Venezuela , and Brasil , however stronger regulations on international trade would greatly benefit their population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the matamata ’ s conservation status will have to be reassessed .
The best way you can help this turtle is by choosing your pets wisely .
Exotic animals often require special care and live for a long time , so they don ’ t make great pets .
Tropical animals are often victims of the illegal pet trade , and by purchasing one of these animals you are supporting that industry [ 4 ] .
Sharing this story , along with those of other exotic animals , can help raise awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Keep Reading : New species of Australian lion discovered in the outback , say experts

By the year 2020, you might assume that we have already discovered every animal that exists in our world. You may be surprised to know that scientists are constantly finding and learning about new animal species- in 2019 scientists discovered 71 new species, and in 2018 scientists described 229 new species of plants and animals [1,2].
A New Turtle is Discovered
Scientists have recently added a new turtle to the list.
Uwe Fritz from Germany, along with an international team, have discovered a new species of matamata turtle. This turtle comes from the genus Chelus, which scientists assumed only contained one species. Through genetic analysis, however, they have determined that there is, in fact, a second Chelus species [3].
Read: Massive, deep-sea ‘entity’ leaves ocean scientists ‘blown away’
The Matamata Turtle
The matamata turtle is very different in appearance than many other turtle species. It has a large, rough, and knobby shell, and is marked by three ridges that run from the front to the back of the shell.
The animal’s neck is wide and flat and is covered in warts and ridges. Its head is large, flat, and triangle-shaped, with a long tubular snout. The snout is used as a snorkel, to allow for minimal movement under the water.
The turtle’s shape and color help to camouflage it in the murky waters in which it lives, making it harder for it to be seen both by predators and prey [4].
“Although these turtles are widely known due to their bizarre looks and their unusual feeding behavior, surprisingly little is known about their variability and genetics,” explains Professor Dr. Uwe Fritz. “Until now, we assumed that there is only one species of this armored reptile that ranges widely across South America.” [3]
According to Fritz, there have been several studies that have pointed out differences between turtles found in the Orinoco River, compared to those in the Amazon River. Based on that observation, the team decided to take a closer look at the animals’ genetics to determine whether or not they were truly two different species.
They used 75 DNA samples to prove that the turtles in the different locations were, in fact, well-differentiated species. The two species are now known as Chelus orinocensis, which live in the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins, and Chelus fimbriata, which lives exclusively in the Amazon [3].
The study concluded that thirteen million years ago, the Amazon-Orinoco Basin began to split. This caused the matamata turtle, along with several other aquatic species, to be separated spatially, which gradually caused them to diverge genetically as well [3].
Newly described species species of turtle, Chelus orinocensis. It is found in the Orinoco and Río Negro basins. Image Credit: Mónica A. Morales-Betancourt/Senckenberg
Read: Scientists Discovered A Bunch Of New Spiders In Australia And Honestly, They’re Pretty Cute
Conservation
The matamata turtle’s largest threat is collection for the illegal international pet trade, and thousands of these turtles are confiscated by authorities every year. The export of these turtles has been banned in Columbia, Venezuela, and Brasil, however stronger regulations on international trade would greatly benefit their population [4].
“To date, this species was not considered endangered, based on its widespread distribution. However, our results show that, due to the split into two species, the population size of each species is smaller than previously assumed,” explained the study’s lead author, Professor Mario Vargas-Ramírez [3].
For this reason, the matamata’s conservation status will have to be reassessed. The best way you can help this turtle is by choosing your pets wisely. Exotic animals often require special care and live for a long time, so they don’t make great pets. Tropical animals are often victims of the illegal pet trade, and by purchasing one of these animals you are supporting that industry [4].
Sharing this story, along with those of other exotic animals, can help raise awareness for them and help protect their populations.
Keep Reading: New species of Australian lion discovered in the outback, say experts


theheartysoul--2020-05-01--I Raised 2 Successful CEOs and a Doctor—Here’s One of the Biggest Mistakes I See Parents Making

If parenting was an Olympic sport , Esther Wojcicki would be a contender for a gold medal .
She has raised three successful daughters- Susan is the CEO of YouTube , Janet is a professor of pediatrics , and Anne is the co-founder and CEO of 23andMe .
Her daughters ’ success has placed her among the ranks of “ famous moms ” , and as such , she often gets questions from other parents for how they , too , can raise successful kids .
Whenever she finds herself in these discussions , she always has one piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say might surprise you .
Wojcicki says that she grew up with the belief that she had a duty to care for her community , and to strive to make it a better place .
At the time , she didn ’ t realize the impact her own actions would have on her children ’ s well-being , but she always tried to show them through her actions what they could achieve .
One of the biggest lessons that , in Wojcicki ’ s opinion , many parents seem to miss when raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She did not , however , lecture her daughters about the importance of serving a community .
She truly did care about making her community a better place .
She cared about doing what she could to help tackle the big problems facing those around her , and that level of sincerity was evident to her kids .
Raising her daughters in that kind of environment meant that they grew up caring , too [ 1 ] .
Wojcicki believes that the American idea is all wrong .
She says that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center of the universe , they grow to be young adults who are unprepared to take on causes that could make the world a better place .
The American idea is to get rich quick , then coast through life- vacationing in exotic destinations , buying luxury homes and vehicles , and going out to expensive dinners .
For this reason , kids are raised to focus on making money , and they expect that doing so will lead to happiness and fulfillment .
These kinds of pursuits cause people to always prioritize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They don ’ t fight for social causes and are pursuing lives devoid of meaning and purpose .
This self-fulfilling attitude turns people into narcissists and thrill addicts , who are often lonely and depressed .
So what exactly is narcissism , and are American ’ s truly guilty of being this way ?
According to Psychology Today , the traits of narcissism include : Chances are , as you read that list of traits , you were probably thinking of at least a couple of people you know who are exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re not alone- a study conducted by the American Psychology Association found that not only do people in other countries view Americans as being this way , but American people rank themselves as being more narcissistic than other nations [ 3 ] .
Americans place individualism as a top priority , and this extreme desire to “ stand out from the crowd ” makes the United States a breeding ground for self-indulgent behavior .
As a nation , we are consumed by an obsession with acquiring fame and fortune- and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like anybody can do it .
With social media , YouTube , and apps like Tik Tok , our reach has become much larger- one video has the potential to catapult you into stardom , and you can do it from the comfort of your own home [ 4 ] .
But when all of our efforts are focused on rising above the masses and creating a name for ourselves , we stop looking out for the needs of others .
This has led to an increase in anxiety , depression , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Taking Care of Our Communities The amount of research highlighting the benefits of community engagement and volunteerism is vast .
One 2013 study found that adolescents who spent time volunteering within their communities not only saw a decrease in negative moods but actually showed a decrease in risk for issues with their cardiovascular health [ 5 ] .
Another study from 2016 found that teenagers who did volunteer work were much less likely to engage in illegal activities and had fewer convictions or arrests later in life [ 6 ] .
Wojcicki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when raising our kids .
Wojcicki has noticed that children seem to be increasingly self-centered .
Their main focus is where they want to go to school , what vacations they want to take , and what things they want to buy .
She believes that when we teach our kids to prioritize service and purpose , as opposed to chasing money and possessions , we will raise kids who are happier and more capable of tackling larger problems .
When we raise kids who care for their communities and work to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also create an environment wherein everyone can experience success .
But if you were not raised with those ideals and you ’ re not sure where to start , Wojcicki says you needn ’ t worry- it ’ s not that hard to start .
Everywhere , she argues , there is a problem to be solved , someone to help , or a cause to champion .
If we begin teaching our kids these values and empowering them to use their resources and skills to help , we can move toward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everyone in our communities .
Keep Reading : The Narcissistic Mother : One of the Most Frightening of All Personalities

With so many opinions out there, it’s sometimes difficult to judge how to make this whole parenting thing work out. We are always striving to be the best mom or dad to raise the best children possible! Everyone who has kids makes parenting mistakes, but these can be avoided easily.
Dr. Tim Elmore came up 7 general rules, listed below; that are deemed critical in the raising of happy, healthy, well-rounded individuals.
Let Your Children Experience Risk
Our children mean the world to us, we would do anything to protect them from getting hurt. However, it is important not to take attachment parenting too far and to give our children the space they need to develop when they are old enough.
The idea that bravery and courage are dismissed in today’s day and age is a major problem. In ‘America’s Journal of Play,’Marano states that; ‘Today, I fear for the home of the brave because we are robbing people of the sense that they can cope.’
Bernstein and Triger further these claims by saying that ‘Studies find that Intensive Parenting contributes to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse and, furthermore, impairs children’s sense of independence.’
What to do: This is one of the hardest parenting mistakes to avoid. Allow your kids to experience life for themselves. If they want to go over to their friend at the park and go down the slide together, allow them to do it; alone! If they are old enough and capable enough then allow your child to experience as much as possible!
Read next: Lying Down With Your Kids at Night While They Fall Asleep Is Not a ‘Bad Habit’
Don’t Be a Superhero Too Often
To help your children grow into independent, individual beings then it is important not to swoop in and rescue them from slightly uncomfortable situations too quickly.
Sometimes your child will benefit from being left alone to figure out a problem on their own, to learn leadership. ‘Intensive Parenting does not allow children to develop a sense of independence, self- sufficiency, and coping skills to address life’s challenges’states Bernstein and Triger.
What to do: Take a step back and analyze the situation before making any sudden over parenting moves. By examining whether the situation needs your help or if your child can figure it out on their own you can make a better-rounded individual who possesses individuality and leadership skills.
A Surprising Parenting Mistake: Excessive Praise
Many studies say that children should not be receiving attendance rewards as it ‘does not teach kids about the real world, and promotes a warped sense of their own self-importance,’ states John O’Sullivan.
James Harrison became somewhat infamous after he returned his six and eight-year-olds participation trophies while saying that; ‘these awards will not be given back until they EARN a real trophy.’
If no one else says that a child has done good, but their parents are raving about it, then the child is going to start disbelieving what you say. This encourages them to cheat or exaggerate to avoid the fact that they may not have done as well as first thought.
What to do: Don’t praise your child and congratulate them for something they did not do as well in. Instead, be kind and listen to what they say without giving any form of praise on the subject matter. Console them and encourage them to try it again to see if they do better.
Read next: Fast facts about stay at home parenting
We Let Guilt Get In The Way Of Leading Well
It’s hard not to spoil your child when you see they feel disappointed or upset about a particular thing. By explaining to them, they can’t have it right now or by saying ‘no’ your child will learn hat they can’t always get what they want just because they don’t feel great.
Dr. Anthony Wold states that “You begin to spoil a child when you give gifts, not because you want to, but because you feel forced to.” This sense of guilt may be especially relevant in single, divorced parents, or parents who do not have consistent rules/guidelines.
What to do: Avoid rewarding your children with material items, this can cause your child to think they always deserve a physical present whenever they do something well. This will prevent your child from feeling the unconditional love you have for them and lead them to believe it is truly materialistic.
Share Your Experiences!
Many people refuse to share their stories with their children, afraid that it may plant a seed in their head and give a particular type of permission to allow our children to make the same mistake.
What to do: By sharing past mistakes with our kids or teenagers, we enable them to understand the potential flaws with things they may want or do. Talking to our children about what we have done wrong in the past may allow them to view situations through our own eyes.
This is, I think, an easy parenting mistake to avoid! Even though it is important to allow your child to make their own decisions and ‘Encourage your children to take appropriate risks,‘(Purdue University), you should always give the best advice you can.
Don’t Mistake Intelligence For Maturity
Sometimes intelligence or giftedness can be misconstrued as maturity. As a parent is can be difficult to differentiate between the two. If your child appears to be excelling in certain ways- either academically or socially, it doesn’t mean that they possess the maturity you think they do.
According to Peter Vajda ‘Emotional maturity is not “intellectual,” but refers to a higher state of self-awareness, beyond “intelligence“’. The difference between intellectual and emotional maturity is essential in understanding the limits of your child.
What to do: Observe what stages other children of similar age are at compared to your child if you are unsure. By allowing your child the same amount of freedom as many of their friends you will instill trust and encourage emotional maturity.
The Worst Parenting Mistake: Not Practicing What You Preach
Allow your children to learn from your actions. If you try and cut corners or tell white lies, your children will learn unhealthy habits and discover that they may be able to get away with them too.
What to do: Children learn fast and like to copy what mom or dad do. By volunteering for organizations, you will teach your child the importance of selfless behavior and how you can reap the rewards from being honest and showing how rewards aren’t necessarily physical but can be emotional too.
It is important to give our children the best shot at life. To encourage them to be individuals whilst providing excellent guidelines as to how they should act or what they should do in certain situations. So mom and dad: get practicing!
Keep reading: This Viral Soccer Game Photo Captures Co-Parenting at Its Best


theheartysoul--2020-05-01--These Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas Couldn’t Be Easier To Make

Bananas are fickle .
They stay green for a while , they turn yellow for a day or two , and all of a sudden , they are brown .
That ’ s how people are suddenly burdened with too many brown bananas and a desperate need for banana bread .
After all , how many bananas are people able to eat in the short time span of their ripeness ?
Fortunately , there is a simpler and extremely delicious way to eat ripe bananas , and it ’ s nowhere near as time-consuming as banana bread and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits and for good reason .
They are delicious , versatile , and nutritious .
The reason bananas are so popular among athletes is primarily for their mineral content and easily digestible carbohydrates .
They may help lessen muscle cramps from exercising and soreness .
They also provide good nutrition before and after endurance exercises .
[ 1 ] Potassium helps maintain fluid levels in the body and process the movement of nutrients and waste in the cells .
This mineral helps muscles contract and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneficial for heart health .
When it comes to blood pressure , sodium seems to get all the attention , but potassium is an important piece of the puzzle .
By consuming adequate amounts of this mineral from foods ( i.e .
whole foods , with little processed ) , it may help to offset some of the negative consequences of excess sodium .
[ 2 ] Potassium is also essential for healthy kidney function .
Studies have found that those who eat bananas 4–6 times a week are about 50 % less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those who don ’ t eat bananas .
[ 3 ] Bananas also contain pectin , which is a type of fiber that can help moderate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite .
They also rank low to medium on the glycemic index , which measures how fast foods increase blood sugar levels .
One a GI scale from 0–100 , bananas rank about 51 , meaning they shouldn ’ t cause major spikes in blood sugar levels in healthy people ( psst- the green ones are lower GI ) .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , add bananas to the list .
They have relatively few calories while being extremely nutritious and filling , which can reduce your appetite .
Although they have been no studies directing testing the effects of bananas on weight loss , much research has linked eating more fiber from fruits and vegetables to lower body weight .
[ 4 ] Best of all , bananas are so easy to incorporate into your diet .
Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas makes a sweet , healthy , and delicious snack , breakfast , or even dessert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( five minutes for prep and five for cooking ) and only needs four ingredients that are already waiting in your pantry .
Don ’ t balk at the word “ fried ” in the name .
Fried makes people think of greasy , fatty foods , but that ’ s definitely not the case with these bananas .
The frying method makes them slightly toasted while enhancing their natural sweetness .
Healthy and scrumptious .
Read : Blue Java Banana : The Banana That Tastes ‘ Just Like Vanilla Ice Cream ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the carbs .
• Slice the bananas into rounds , about 1/3 inch thick .
• In a small bowl , combine the stevia , monkfruit , or honey , cinnamon , and nutmeg ( if desired ) .
Set aside .
• Lightly spray a large skillet with nonstick oil spray or lightly coat with coconut oil .
Warm the skillet over medium heat .
• Add the banana slices and sprinkle or drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture on top .
• Flip the banana slices , and sprinkle or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the bananas are soft and warmed through .
• Enjoy the bananas fresh from the pan and topped with vanilla ice cream , coconut whipped cream , chopped nuts , or on their own !
• Slightly overripe bananas will work best .
They should look bright yellow and firm on the outside .
You can use overripe bananas ; they will be mushy but they will still taste good .
• Take care not to overcook the banana slices .
If they start to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch them as they cook since the heat of the stove could be a little too high .
• The quality of the oil you use can affect how the banana slices will taste , so be sure to use fresh oil from a good quality brand .
Virgin coconut works well , if you enjoy the additional coconut taste and aroma .
If you ’ re looking for something more neutral , try avocado oil .
Keep Reading : Your Favorite Banana Could Go Extinct Thanks To A Deadly Fungus

Bananas are fickle. They stay green for a while, they turn yellow for a day or two, and all of a sudden, they are brown. That’s how people are suddenly burdened with too many brown bananas and a desperate need for banana bread. After all, how many bananas are people able to eat in the short time span of their ripeness?
Fortunately, there is a simpler and extremely delicious way to eat ripe bananas, and it’s nowhere near as time-consuming as banana bread and it’s even simpler than banana ice cream.
The Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits and for good reason. They are delicious, versatile, and nutritious.
The reason bananas are so popular among athletes is primarily for their mineral content and easily digestible carbohydrates. They may help lessen muscle cramps from exercising and soreness. They also provide good nutrition before and after endurance exercises. [1]
Potassium helps maintain fluid levels in the body and process the movement of nutrients and waste in the cells. This mineral helps muscles contract and nerve cells respond, which makes it beneficial for heart health. When it comes to blood pressure, sodium seems to get all the attention, but potassium is an important piece of the puzzle. [2]
Bananas also contain pectin, which is a type of fiber that can help moderate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. They also rank low to medium on the glycemic index, which measures how fast foods increase blood sugar levels.
For those who are looking for weight loss-friendly foods, add bananas to the list. They have relatively few calories while being extremely nutritious and filling, which can reduce your appetite. Although they have been no studies directing testing the effects of bananas on weight loss, much research has linked eating more fiber from fruits and vegetables to lower body weight. [3]
Best of all, bananas are so easy to incorporate into your diet.
Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas makes a sweet, healthy, and delicious snack, breakfast, or even dessert. It takes about 10 minutes to make (five minutes for prep and five for cooking) and only needs four ingredients that are already waiting in your pantry.
Don’t balk at the word “fried” in the name. Fried makes people think of greasy, fatty foods, but that’s definitely not the case with these bananas. The frying method makes them slightly toasted while enhancing their natural sweetness. Healthy and scrumptious.
Read: Blue Java Banana: The Banana That Tastes ‘Just Like Vanilla Ice Cream’
Pan-Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Ingredients:
2 bananas, slightly overripe
1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
1 tbsp honey , stevia, or monkfruit*
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
*Monkfruit is useful for those looking to cut the carbs.
Directions:
Slice the bananas into rounds, about 1/3 inch thick. In a small bowl, combine the stevia, monkfruit, or honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if desired). Set aside. Lightly spray a large skillet with nonstick oil spray or lightly coat with coconut oil. Warm the skillet over medium heat. Add the banana slices and sprinkle or drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture on top. Cook for about 2–3 minutes. Flip the banana slices, and sprinkle or drizzle them with the remaining cinnamon mixture Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the bananas are soft and warmed through. Enjoy the bananas fresh from the pan and topped with vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, chopped nuts, or on their own!
Notes:
Slightly overripe bananas will work best. They should look bright yellow and firm on the outside. You can use overripe bananas; they will be mushy but they will still taste good.
Take care not to overcook the banana slices. If they start to become too soft, they are done. Watch them as they cook since the heat of the stove could be a little too high.
The quality of the oil you use can affect how the banana slices will taste, so be sure to use fresh oil from a good quality brand. Virgin coconut works well, if you enjoy the additional coconut taste and aroma. If you’re looking for something more neutral, try avocado oil.
Keep Reading: Your Favorite Banana Could Go Extinct Thanks To A Deadly Fungus


theheartysoul--2020-04-30--These Adorable Baby Foxes Showed Up at a Grandma’s House and the Pictures are Everything

If you ’ re having a bad day , these cute baby foxes ( kits ) playing without a care in the world would like to cheer you up .
When most people think foxes , they imagine sly , mischievous animals always looking for something to steal or domestic animals to bully .
Well , for the most part , wild foxes can be a bit… wild , but you can bet they were not born that way .
It ’ s spring again and despite all the pain the world is going through right now , spring is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s something we can choose to be thankful for .
Life begins to thrive all around us – leaves flourish , flowers bloom , eggs hatch , and animals begin to nurse their new-born offspring .
Last spring , an Illinois-based grandmother had a season of hilarious entertainment when a couple of baby foxes wandered onto her porch [ 1 ] .
Red foxes are quite common in Illinois so there was no reason to fret .
They would often creep up to her sliding doors , a perfect place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows California ’ s Yosemite National Park full of animals in the absence of humans The photos were shared on Reddit by a user named Vechrotex whose grandmother was the lucky fox host .
Her grandma had captured some adorable shots of the little munchkins the first day they came by , and they immediately went viral .
Speaking to Bored Panda , Vechrotex explains that the babies always came around with their mother who would keep an eye on them while they played , poked around , and nosed up to grandma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The little animals could have been about three to four weeks old at the time because their eyes were wide open .
Baby red foxes are born blind and only open their eyes about 14 days later .
They also rely on mama ’ s milk for the first four weeks and right after that , they begin to eat solid food and subsequently learn to hunt .
“ Here in Illinois we get red foxes in forested areas , we see them a lot and it ’ s not that big of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panda .
“ One day my grandma saw a baby red fox and took a picture of it .
She shared the picture with me and I thought it was just so cute , I decided to post it .
I ’ m glad I was able to make so many people happy !
The mom comes by a lot more than the babies .
She is always close when her babies are on the porch.
” Read : Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves Well , Grandma didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy watching the precious family play out their foxy antics on her porch .
It kind of makes you want to move to a quiet woody area where you ’ d get to enjoy the thrills of wildlife .
Unfortunately , not everyone had a funny tale to tell about these baby foxes .
One commenter on Reddit wrote : “ One of our neighbors had a small pet door in their back door .
A fox cub let itself in , ate all the cat ’ s food , and then fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the wall .
The mama fox tried to get in to retrieve her cub but could not fit in the pet door or was afraid to attempt it .
So the neighbor ’ s closed all the interior doors to the kitchen and left the backdoor open so mama and cub could be reunited.
” Keep Reading : Leopard Mother Crossing Road With Two Cubs Captured In Extremely Rare Footage

If you’re having a bad day, these cute baby foxes (kits) playing without a care in the world would like to cheer you up.
When most people think foxes, they imagine sly, mischievous animals always looking for something to steal or domestic animals to bully. Well, for the most part, wild foxes can be a bit… wild, but you can bet they were not born that way.
It’s spring again and despite all the pain the world is going through right now, spring is still going to happen anyway, and that’s something we can choose to be thankful for. Life begins to thrive all around us – leaves flourish, flowers bloom, eggs hatch, and animals begin to nurse their new-born offspring.
Last spring, an Illinois-based grandmother had a season of hilarious entertainment when a couple of baby foxes wandered onto her porch [1]. Red foxes are quite common in Illinois so there was no reason to fret. They would often creep up to her sliding doors, a perfect place to watch these cuties.
An overload of cuteness
The photos were shared on Reddit by a user named Vechrotex whose grandmother was the lucky fox host. Her grandma had captured some adorable shots of the little munchkins the first day they came by, and they immediately went viral.
Speaking to Bored Panda, Vechrotex explains that the babies always came around with their mother who would keep an eye on them while they played, poked around, and nosed up to grandma’s doors.
The little animals could have been about three to four weeks old at the time because their eyes were wide open. Baby red foxes are born blind and only open their eyes about 14 days later. They also rely on mama’s milk for the first four weeks and right after that, they begin to eat solid food and subsequently learn to hunt.
“Here in Illinois we get red foxes in forested areas, we see them a lot and it’s not that big of a deal,” Vechrotex told Bored Panda. “One day my grandma saw a baby red fox and took a picture of it. She shared the picture with me and I thought it was just so cute, I decided to post it. I’m glad I was able to make so many people happy! The mom comes by a lot more than the babies. She is always close when her babies are on the porch.”
Sadly, they’d grow up too quickly
Well, Grandma didn’t mind because she gets to enjoy watching the precious family play out their foxy antics on her porch. It kind of makes you want to move to a quiet woody area where you’d get to enjoy the thrills of wildlife.
Unfortunately, not everyone had a funny tale to tell about these baby foxes. One commenter on Reddit wrote: “One of our neighbors had a small pet door in their back door. A fox cub let itself in, ate all the cat’s food, and then fell asleep in the space between the refrigerator and the wall. The mama fox tried to get in to retrieve her cub but could not fit in the pet door or was afraid to attempt it. So the neighbor’s closed all the interior doors to the kitchen and left the backdoor open so mama and cub could be reunited.”
Keep Reading: This Zoo Becomes First Zoo In America To Go ‘Dog Friendly’


theheartysoul--2020-04-29--Couple Build Amazing Shipping Container Home For Debt-Free Living

Chances are , the majority of you reading this article have a mortgage .
Most of you work nine to five every day so you can afford that mortgage , food , and your other regular expenses .
Whatever is left over you use either for fun money or put into a savings account for when you can no longer work .
This is the treadmill of life we ’ re all told early on that we need to get on , run like heck , and then get off .
We ’ re told the faster we run , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop button – or at least , the easier life will be when we ’ re eventually forced to .
After running in this so-called rat race of life for years , this couple decided that they ’ d had enough .
They swapped big for small , and now live larger – and debt-free – in their own , DIY tiny shipping container home .
( 1 , 2 ) The Tiny Home of Their Dreams Three years ago , after re-modeling and selling their Vancouver home where they raised their children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a condo in Kalama , Washington .
Tired of the daily grind with no signs of getting ahead , they thought about how liberating it would be to be mortgage-free .
But , the question was , how ?
( 1 , 2 ) The answer ?
Building their own tiny home out of shipping containers .
Dave was in metalwork and had most of the rudimentary skills for the job , and they had a nest egg of $ 50,000 from the sale of the Vancouver house .
How hard could it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As it turns out , much harder than they ever imagined it to be .
While they had plenty of support from their county , and attaining the occupancy permit was easy , the rest was much more challenging .
They did everything themselves ( 1 , 2 ) : You name it , they did it , and for good reason .
That $ 50,000 nest egg was eaten up quite quickly .
Their hard work paid off , and now they are living in a gorgeous 406 square-foot homemade of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 20-foot container stacked on top .
( 2 ) When they started the project , Jaimie and David never could have imagined that the hardest part of the build wouldn ’ t have to do with the house at all .
Instead , it had to do with David ’ s health .
( 2 ) One day a few months into the project , David called Jaimie at work .
Jaimie went straight home where David met her in the driveway and collapsed in her arms .
He told her he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could go to sleep .
Terrified , Jaimie rushed her husband to the hospital .
( 2 ) Upon arrival , the diagnosis was grim : David had an intracranial hemorrhage and was having a stroke .
The bleed was so deep that surgery was very risky , to the point where the doctors weren ’ t sure if it was advisable at all .
( 2 ) David was in the hospital for five days , during which Jaimie never left his side .
She even slept in the bed next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laugh , recalling one of David ’ s comments before having a procedure done .
( 2 ) Thankfully , David survived .
He spent the next three months in five different types of therapy , including speech and physical .
With confirmation from his therapists , he was still able to work on the house .
Though progress was slower , it continued , and the couple finished the house in 10 months .
( 2 ) The stroke reminded them how precious life is , and how important it is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment .
It also reminded them why they started their tiny house project in the first place .
( 2 ) Read : These Self-Sufficient Island Cabins Have All the Comforts of Home The home is gorgeous , inside and out .
The downstairs has a sitting room , kitchen and dining area , bathroom , and a storage room and closet .
All appliances are full size , with beautiful wood flooring , granite countertops , and plenty of space to entertain .
( 2 ) The upstairs has a queen-sized bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large deck with a panoramic view of the wooded area they live in .
They have a large garden , a separate outdoor deck space , and plenty of room for all of their kids to come to visit .
( 2 ) Really , their tiny house has all the comforts of a regular home , without all of the extras .
The couple finished the project with a final budget of $ 80,000 , and yes – they are debt-free .
( 2 ) From start to finish , Jaimie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a home , of course , but also about themselves , both individually and as a couple .
Jaimie and David have made this shipping container their home and can ’ t imagine their lives any other way .
You , too , can move your life more or less off the grid , if you really want to .
With so many tiny home options to choose from , a simpler life could be closer than you think .
If you want to see their home inside and out , check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : This artist couple build an incredible cabin out of recycled windows for under $ 500

Chances are, the majority of you reading this article have a mortgage. Most of you work nine to five every day so you can afford that mortgage, food, and your other regular expenses. Whatever is left over you use either for fun money or put into a savings account for when you can no longer work.
This is the treadmill of life we’re all told early on that we need to get on, run like heck, and then get off. We’re told the faster we run, the sooner we can hit the proverbial stop button – or at least, the easier life will be when we’re eventually forced to.
After running in this so-called rat race of life for years, this couple decided that they’d had enough. They swapped big for small, and now live larger – and debt-free – in their own, DIY tiny shipping container home. (1, 2)
Related: 40 ft. Shipping Containers Transformed into a Spectacular Off-Grid Home
The Tiny Home of Their Dreams
Three years ago, after re-modeling and selling their Vancouver home where they raised their children, Jaimie and David were living in a condo in Kalama, Washington. Tired of the daily grind with no signs of getting ahead, they thought about how liberating it would be to be mortgage-free. But, the question was, how? (1, 2)
The answer? Building their own tiny home out of shipping containers. Dave was in metalwork and had most of the rudimentary skills for the job, and they had a nest egg of $50,000 from the sale of the Vancouver house. How hard could it be? (1, 2)
DIY Difficulties
As it turns out, much harder than they ever imagined it to be. While they had plenty of support from their county, and attaining the occupancy permit was easy, the rest was much more challenging. They did everything themselves (1, 2):
Plumbing
Electrical
Substructure
Welding
Design
Installations
You name it, they did it, and for good reason. That $50,000 nest egg was eaten up quite quickly.
“We didn’t realize to turn on the water is $10,000, to turn on electricity is $9,000, to put in a septic (system) is $12,000, and (the cost) to purchase our containers. We were almost out of money before we even started,” Jaimie said. “You can’t just get a conventional loan on these kinds of builds. We went to work every day and worked on this project Friday, Saturday, Sunday every day for 10 months.” (2)
Their hard work paid off, and now they are living in a gorgeous 406 square-foot homemade of a 40-foot shipping container on the bottom and a 20-foot container stacked on top. (2)
When they started the project, Jaimie and David never could have imagined that the hardest part of the build wouldn’t have to do with the house at all. Instead, it had to do with David’s health. (2)
Read: How to Make A DIY Rustic Live Edge Countertop
A Life-Threatening Health Scare
One day a few months into the project, David called Jaimie at work.
“He told me ‘something’s wrong, I can’t feel my arm.’”. (2)
Jaimie went straight home where David met her in the driveway and collapsed in her arms. He told her he was waiting for her so that he could go to sleep. Terrified, Jaimie rushed her husband to the hospital. (2)
Upon arrival, the diagnosis was grim: David had an intracranial hemorrhage and was having a stroke. The bleed was so deep that surgery was very risky, to the point where the doctors weren’t sure if it was advisable at all. (2)
David was in the hospital for five days, during which Jaimie never left his side. She even slept in the bed next to him at night. She had to laugh, recalling one of David’s comments before having a procedure done. (2)
“I don’t have time for this, we’re building a house!” (2)
Thankfully, David survived. He spent the next three months in five different types of therapy, including speech and physical. With confirmation from his therapists, he was still able to work on the house. Though progress was slower, it continued, and the couple finished the house in 10 months. (2)
The stroke reminded them how precious life is, and how important it is to appreciate every minute and live in the moment. It also reminded them why they started their tiny house project in the first place. (2)
Read: These Self-Sufficient Island Cabins Have All the Comforts of Home
Jaimie and David’s Dream Home
The home is gorgeous, inside and out. The downstairs has a sitting room, kitchen and dining area, bathroom, and a storage room and closet. All appliances are full size, with beautiful wood flooring, granite countertops, and plenty of space to entertain. (2)
The upstairs has a queen-sized bed, lounge area, TV, and a large deck with a panoramic view of the wooded area they live in. They have a large garden, a separate outdoor deck space, and plenty of room for all of their kids to come to visit. (2)
Really, their tiny house has all the comforts of a regular home, without all of the extras.
“We’re living off the treadmill,” says David. “We don’t need more stuff, we got rid of our stuff to make this happen.” (2)
The couple finished the project with a final budget of $80,000, and yes – they are debt-free. (2)
A Learning Experience
From start to finish, Jaimie and David learned a lot – about building a home, of course, but also about themselves, both individually and as a couple.
“We learned we can do things that are really, really hard. If we do them together, we can do it.” Jaimie says. “Life throws you curveballs, but just go with it. Find joy in every moment. Adventure awaits around every corner. Choose joy. Think outside the box, colour outside the lines. Be positive. Be a little sassy. Be different, it’s okay to be a little different.” (2)
Jaimie and David have made this shipping container their home and can’t imagine their lives any other way. You, too, can move your life more or less off the grid, if you really want to. With so many tiny home options to choose from, a simpler life could be closer than you think.
If you want to see their home inside and out, check out the video below.


theheartysoul--2020-05-02--Most people fail – but can you find the dog in this picture?

Humans love solving puzzles .
When we ’ re kids , it starts with word searches , find the difference photos , and the ever-popular Where ’ s Waldo ?
book series .
From puzzles to crosswords and sudoku , we ’ re always looking for ways to challenge our brains .
One of the most fascinating of these is optical illusions .
From the 12 dots illusion in 2016 viral dress debate of 2018 that all but broke the internet , people can ’ t get enough of them .
There is a new visual puzzle making its way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s left some feeling victorious and others feeling completely stumped .
Which camp will you be in ?
Can you find the dog in this photo ?
At first glance , this photo is just a nice picture of an empty park .
There ’ s an inviting walkway , a shady tree , and a weathered bench – what ’ s the big deal ?
Somewhere hidden in this photo , there ’ s a dog .
Take your time to inspect the photo .
How long will it take you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here , we ’ ve cropped the photo for you to help limit your search .
Have another look : Third time ’ s the charm !
A third go at it after a second cropping job might help your luck .
If you still can ’ t see the little doggo , here you go , we ’ ve circled him for you : Now that you know where the pup is , it ’ s hard not to see it .
Send this article to your friends and family and see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Humans love solving puzzles. When we’re kids, it starts with word searches, find the difference photos, and the ever-popular Where’s Waldo? book series. From puzzles to crosswords and sudoku, we’re always looking for ways to challenge our brains. One of the most fascinating of these is optical illusions. From the 12 dots illusion in 2016 viral dress debate of 2018 that all but broke the internet, people can’t get enough of them. There is a new visual puzzle making its way around social media channels, and it’s left some feeling victorious and others feeling completely stumped. Which camp will you be in? Can you find the dog in this photo?
Image Credit: Muddy Paw Co | Twitter
Can you find the dog in this photo?
At first glance, this photo is just a nice picture of an empty park. There’s an inviting walkway, a shady tree, and a weathered bench – what’s the big deal? Somewhere hidden in this photo, there’s a dog. Take your time to inspect the photo. How long will it take you to find it?
Read: If You Can Find The Woman Hiding In This Photo, You’re Considered To Have An Above Average IQ
Here’s a little assistance.
Still struggling? Here, we’ve cropped the photo for you to help limit your search. Have another look:
Still can’t find the dog?
Third time’s the charm! A third go at it after a second cropping job might help your luck.
The final answer.
If you still can’t see the little doggo, here you go, we’ve circled him for you:
Challenge your friends.
Now that you know where the pup is, it’s hard not to see it. Send this article to your friends and family and see who can find the dog the quickest.
Keep Reading: People Are Losing Their Minds Trying To Find The Leopard In This Picture


theheartysoul--2020-05-04--For The First Time In 71 Years, The Most Beautiful Flower Garden In The World Has No Visitors. The P

If you ’ re an avid lover of flowers , you ’ ve probably heard of the magical Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse , Netherlands , often referred to as the Garden of Europe .
This 32-hectare garden has often been called the most beautiful spring garden in the world , where 7 million bulbs of different species are planted every year .
The garden is widely known for its abundance of lovely tulips , but other flowers such as hyacinths , daffodils , lilies , roses , carnations and irises are planted in aesthetically pleasing patterns that often have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since its establishment in 1950 , 70 years ago , Keukenhof has been open to tourists for 8 weeks a year during spring , starting from Mid-March to mid-May .
The passionate and caring gardeners begin planting over 7 million bulbs gotten in October each year , which ends in the first week of December .
The flowers would be in full bloom by March , gracing the grounds with their stunningly brilliant colors and enlivening fragrances .
On average , Keukenhof receives about 26,000 visitors a day .
Sadly , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the current state of the world [ 1 ] .
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted serious travel and tourism restrictions all over the world .
Many countries , including the Netherlands , have placed bans on crowd gatherings to contain the spread of the virus .
As with many other locations that potentially attract large crowds of people , Keukenhof is indefinitely closed for 2020 .
However , the state of the world didn ’ t stop the flowers from blooming , and they came with all the color , beauty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Incredible photos taken in the absence of visitors As always , the garden is being tended by some of the most passionate gardeners across the country .
Dutch photographer Albert Dros visited the garden recently and took dozens of enchanting photos of the flowers .
The gardeners are extremely meticulous with the mind-blowing patterns , some of which are flowers planted together to form larger shapes of flowers such as the fan-favorite tulips and tea roses .
Writing on Bored Panda , Albert explained how enjoyable the entire experience had been for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I visited the park it looked at its best .
Interestingly enough , we have experienced the sunniest April EVER in the Netherlands , making all the flowers pop very fast .
Photographing in broad daylight with the strong sun was a challenge .
But forget about the photography for a moment : walking around there all alone , with only the sounds of birds and the incredible smell of all these flowers , is an experience by itself .
I sometimes just sat next to the flowers and the water , enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just a magical experience .
Having no people in the park allowed me to photograph paths and angles in a certain way that you normally don ’ t get to see because of the crowds.
” For the first time in a long time during bloom season , you could clearly see the zigzagging tarred roads surrounding the fields , often filled with a cluster of tourists whenever the garden opens .
For me , the most enchanting thing about the garden is the water .
The tranquil lake would often reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly relaxing effect of peace and calm .
The flower garden is a stronghold of visual therapy , a place where you can just open up your heart to take in an endless stream of positive vibes .
These blossoms would do that to you .
Read : Japanese Man Spends 2 Years Planting Thousands of Flowers to Bring His Blind Wife Joy Albert hopes his photos would bring peace and joy to anyone who views them in these difficult times , and it ’ s only sad that they won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
Keep Reading : 4.5 Million Baby Blue Flowers Bloom across Japanese Park like A Never-Ending Sea of Blue Lights

For The First Time In 71 Years, The Most Beautiful Flower Garden In The World Has No Visitors. The Photos Are Incredibly Stunning
If you’re an avid lover of flowers, you’ve probably heard of the magical Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands, often referred to as the Garden of Europe. This 32-hectare garden has often been called the most beautiful spring garden in the world, where 7 million bulbs of different species are planted every year. The garden is widely known for its abundance of lovely tulips, but other flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations and irises are planted in aesthetically pleasing patterns that often have the most exhilarating effect on the human mind.
Since its establishment in 1950, 70 years ago, Keukenhof has been open to tourists for 8 weeks a year during spring, starting from Mid-March to mid-May. The passionate and caring gardeners begin planting over 7 million bulbs gotten in October each year, which ends in the first week of December. The flowers would be in full bloom by March, gracing the grounds with their stunningly brilliant colors and enlivening fragrances. On average, Keukenhof receives about 26,000 visitors a day.
Sadly, this year, Keukenhof cannot open due to the current state of the world [1]. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted serious travel and tourism restrictions all over the world. Many countries, including the Netherlands, have placed bans on crowd gatherings to contain the spread of the virus. As with many other locations that potentially attract large crowds of people, Keukenhof is indefinitely closed for 2020.
However, the state of the world didn’t stop the flowers from blooming, and they came with all the color, beauty and intense magic they’ve always brought.
Incredible photos taken in the absence of visitors
As always, the garden is being tended by some of the most passionate gardeners across the country. Dutch photographer Albert Dros visited the garden recently and took dozens of enchanting photos of the flowers. The gardeners are extremely meticulous with the mind-blowing patterns, some of which are flowers planted together to form larger shapes of flowers such as the fan-favorite tulips and tea roses.
Writing on Bored Panda, Albert explained how enjoyable the entire experience had been for him [2]: “When I visited the park it looked at its best. Interestingly enough, we have experienced the sunniest April EVER in the Netherlands, making all the flowers pop very fast. Photographing in broad daylight with the strong sun was a challenge. But forget about the photography for a moment: walking around there all alone, with only the sounds of birds and the incredible smell of all these flowers, is an experience by itself. I sometimes just sat next to the flowers and the water, enjoying nature for 30 minutes long. It was just a magical experience. Having no people in the park allowed me to photograph paths and angles in a certain way that you normally don’t get to see because of the crowds.”
For the first time in a long time during bloom season, you could clearly see the zigzagging tarred roads surrounding the fields, often filled with a cluster of tourists whenever the garden opens.
For me, the most enchanting thing about the garden is the water. The tranquil lake would often reflect the flowers and trees, producing an incredibly relaxing effect of peace and calm. The flower garden is a stronghold of visual therapy, a place where you can just open up your heart to take in an endless stream of positive vibes. These blossoms would do that to you.
Read: Japanese Man Spends 2 Years Planting Thousands of Flowers to Bring His Blind Wife Joy
Albert hopes his photos would bring peace and joy to anyone who views them in these difficult times, and it’s only sad that they won’t get to experience the wonderful fragrances as well.
Image Credits: Albert Dros via Bored Panda
KEUKENHOF CANNOT OPEN IN 2020. Holland Explorer. https://holland-explorer.com/keukenhof/. Retrieved 03-05-2020 Albert. The Most Beautiful Flower Garden In The World Has No Visitors For The First Time In 71 Years And I Got To Capture It (31 Pics). Bored Panda. https://www.boredpanda.com/tulip-garden-keukenhof-photography-albert-dros/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic. Retrieved 03-05-2020 https://keukenhof.nl/en/


theheartysoul--2020-05-04--Dad, What I’d give if I could say, “Hello Dad” in the same old way.

Dad ’ s are special , and their relationship with their children is a very powerful one .
They teach their sons how to be both a man and a true gentleman .
A father has the power to teach his son lessons that fight back against toxic masculinity .
A woman ’ s first male relationship is with her father .
From him , she learns how she should and shouldn ’ t let a man treat her .
A girl ’ s father can be a prominent voice in helping her grow into a strong , confident woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is devastating and can turn your life upside down , no matter how old you are .
Even if you had a poor relationship with him , his loss can still leave a deep wound .
The Love Between a Father and his Children is Forever For many of us , losing a father means losing a best friend .
Our dad was our number one supporter from the minute we were born .
He was there for every little league game and piano recital , he was our chauffeur throughout high school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hug when we needed it most .
Our fathers seem to have this way of comforting us that made us feel safe and had us smiling again in no time .
Read : 10 Priceless Quotes That All Grandparents Will Love Always on hand with helpful advice , he knew when to step in and step aside , letting tough love and experience teach us much-needed lessons .
Sometimes , there are things we just have to learn on our own .
Little did we know , our dad was behind the scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , ready to step in just at the right time .
A dad is like a real-world superhero .
Super strength ?
Sure , he can carry us high on our shoulders ; no pickle jar is ever a tough enough match for him .
Super speed ?
Definitely .
He can toss us in the pool before we ’ ve had the chance to blink and is the first one by our side when we get knocked down on the basketball court .
Oh , and we can ’ t forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the car when we call him at a party that ’ s gotten out of hand ( even if it is at 1 am ) .
The man is a funny , intelligent , and caring pillar of strength throughout our entire lives .
Read : Having a Sister Is Beneficial To Your Mental Health , Studies Show He Knows When to Lay Down the Law With dad , it wasn ’ t always fun and games .
As kids and definitely as teenagers , our dad knew when it was time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was hard to see at the time , there was love behind every punishment he gave us , no matter the nasty things we may have said or done out of anger .
Now that we ’ re adults we are grateful for the times when our Dad said no or grounded us to teach us a lesson .
Perhaps with kids of our own , we can understand better where he was coming from .
Read : My Dear Firstborn , You ’ ll Never Know : How Motherhood Changes You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy lives and don ’ t check in with our parents as frequently as we should .
When we do , it ’ s usually when we need something , or for birthdays , mother ’ s day , and father ’ s day .
If there ’ s one thing you should take away from this article , it ’ s to never take your father for granted .
No matter how mischievous you were as a child or as challenging you were as a teen , he came back to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you will miss terribly when it is gone , so cherish it now .
If you have already lost your father , then you know the unfillable hole this has left in your heart .
Now , go call your dad .

Dads are special, and their relationship with their children is a very powerful one. They teach their sons how to be both a man and a true gentleman. A father has the power to teach his son lessons that fight back against toxic masculinity. And what I’d give to say hello dad to him just one more time.
A woman’s first male relationship is with her father. From him, she learns how she should and shouldn’t let a man treat her. A girl’s father can be a prominent voice in helping her grow into a strong, confident woman.
This is why losing your father is devastating and can turn your life upside down, no matter how old you are. Even if you had a poor relationship with him, his loss can still leave a deep wound.
The Love Between a Father and his Children is Forever
For many of us, losing a father means losing a best friend. Our dad was our number one supporter from the minute we were born.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person; He believed in me.”
He was there for every little league game and piano recital, he was our chauffeur throughout high school and was always there with a warm hug when we needed it most. Our fathers seem to have this way of comforting us that made us feel safe and had us smiling again in no time.
Dads Let us Learn Important Lessons
Always on hand with helpful advice, he knew when to step in and step aside, letting tough love and experience teach us much-needed lessons.
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”
Sometimes, there are things we just have to learn on our own. Little did we know, our dad was behind the scenes watching us navigate each new stage of life, ready to step in just at the right time.
A Constant Role Model
“A dad is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”
A dad is like a real-world superhero. Super strength? Sure, he can carry us high on our shoulders; no pickle jar is ever a tough enough match for him.
Super speed? Definitely. He can toss us in the pool before we’ve had the chance to blink and is the first one by our side when we get knocked down on the basketball court. Oh, and we can’t forget how quickly he’s pulling up in the car when we call him at a party that’s gotten out of hand (even if it is at 1 am).
The man is a funny, intelligent, and caring pillar of strength throughout our entire lives.
He Knows When to Lay Down the Law
With dad, it wasn’t always fun and games. As kids and definitely as teenagers, our dad knew when it was time to say enough is enough. Though it was hard to see at the time, there was love behind every punishment he gave us, no matter the nasty things we may have said or done out of anger.
Hey Dad, you were there for me from the day I was born, always having my best interests in mind. You are one of the most important people in my life and I love you with my whole heart.”
Now that we’re adults we are grateful for the times when our Dad said no or grounded us to teach us a lesson. Perhaps with kids of our own, we can understand better where he was coming from.
Hello Dad. Don’t Take Dads For Granted
“Dad: Remembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.”
Oftentimes we get wrapped up in our busy lives and don’t check in with our parents as frequently as we should. When we do, it’s usually when we need something, or for birthdays, mother’s day, and father’s day.
If there’s one thing you should take away from this article, it’s to never take your father for granted. No matter how mischievous you were as a child or as challenging you were as a teen, he came back to you with love. This is a love that you will miss terribly when it is gone, so cherish it now. If you have already lost your father, then you know the unfillable hole this has left in your heart.
“What I’d give, if I could say “Hello, Dad” in the same old way. To hear his voice and see his smile, to sit with him and chat for a while. So if your father is still here, cherish him with care, for you’ll never know the heartache until you see his empty chair.”
Now, go call your dad.
Keep Reading: My Dad Still Mows My Mom’s Lawn — Even Though They’ve Been Divorced for 28 Years


theheartysoul--2020-05-04--Anxiety Makes People Clean Obsessively

Anxiety Makes People Clean Obsessively

In the midst of a global pandemic , health officials around the world have been encouraging their citizens to be extra-vigilant with washing their hands and cleaning their homes , particularly commonly-touched surfaces and objects , like a door handle or a phone .
This ritualistic cleaning , it appears , may serve a dual-purpose .
A study published in the Journal Current Biology found that stress can induce ritualized behavior and more redundant , repetitive , and rigid hand movements .
The authors of this study found that this caused participants to engage in obsessive cleaning [ 1 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Connecticut presented a group of students with a shiny statue .
They asked the students to come up with a speech about the statue , and once they had given the speech , they were asked to clean it .
The researchers analyzed the way the students cleaned the statue and compared that with a control group , who cleaned it without having to give a speech [ 2 ] .
The researchers evaluated the students based on three categories : redundancy , repetitiveness , and rigidity .
Redundancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary to achieve a goal , repetitiveness is recurrent behaviors or utterances , and rigidity is the level of exactness to which the students performed the task [ 1 ] .
The study showed that the students who had to give a speech showed an increase in repetitiveness and rigidity , but not redundancy .
Essentially , the amount of anxiety the participants felt predicted how many hand movements they made during cleaning , and how long they cleaned the object before deciding that it had been adequately cleaned [ 1,2 ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Brain Health , Reduce Stress and Much More Both humans and animals experience stress when they find themselves in an uncertain situation that they can not control , causing them to resort to repetitive motor actions or movements as a coping mechanism [ 3 ] .
These behaviors are often similar to those exhibited by individuals who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ) and are used in an attempt to regain control of a situation [ 4 ] .
Obsessive cleaning is a manifestation of this tactic , however , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious or stressed person may resort to other repetitive behaviors , like biting their nails or praying [ 2 ] .
Prof. David Eilam of TAU ’ s Department of Zoology at the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences conducted found that ritualistic behavior under stress can be seen in both humans and animals [ 5 ] .
He explains that every activity that we do involves three phases- preparatory , functional , and confirmatory .
The functional phase is the specific action that must occur in order to complete the task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called the head and tail ) , are completed before and after the action , and are not actually necessary to complete it .
His team looked at common actions performed by people , and compared those actions to basketball players shooting a free-throw .
Technically , all they have to do is shoot the ball to complete the action , but most players perform specific ritualistic actions before each shot , such as bouncing the ball precisely six times .
Head and tail activities can be seen during daily activities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be performed more often during times of stress .
Read : Do You Have Pandemic Anxiety ?
Tips to Cope If You may be Sleepless , Forgetful and Angry .
Your brain ’ s primary job is to draw conclusions about the future and to align behavior with those predictions .
To do this , your brain gathers as much data as possible and puts it into the predictor system .
The problem , however , is that the brain can ’ t get enough information to accurately predict the future , leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes your brain to set off “ prediction error signals ” , which produces feelings of anxiety [ 6 ] .
Rituals , however , bring order and structure to our world , which is more often than not , incoherent and chaotic .
The act of performing a specific sequence of movements tricks your brain into thinking that experiencing predictability and stability .
When uncertainty is beyond our control , our brains will subconsciously cause us to engage in ritualized movements as compensation , and to bring about a sense of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Mushroom Shown to Help Reduce Anxiety and Depression Add Ritual to Your Life to Ease Anxiety While in some cases , such as with OCD , rituals can become unhealthy , for most of us rituals are an effective way to give us structure when we feel structure is lost , and to make us feel safe .
Rituals , such as those you might find in a cultural or religious ceremony , fulfill a psychological need to bring order to our lives .
If you find you are dealing with increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding some rituals into your day , or committing more strongly to the ones that you already have .
A ritual could be deep breathing every morning before you get out of bed , or even simply following a morning routine that is the same every day .
Now , more than ever , when our lives have been turned upside down and our usual routines have been all but abandoned , including some structure and ritual to your day can ease your stress and bring about a sense of calm .
Keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Body

In the midst of a global pandemic, health officials around the world have been encouraging their citizens to be extra-vigilant with washing their hands and cleaning their homes, particularly commonly-touched surfaces and objects, like a door handle or a phone.
This ritualistic cleaning, it appears, may serve a dual-purpose.
Ritualistic Behaviour and Anxiety Cleaning
A study published in the Journal Current Biology found that stress can induce ritualized behavior and more redundant, repetitive, and rigid hand movements. The authors of this study found that this caused participants to engage in obsessive cleaning [1].
To perform the study, researchers at the University of Connecticut presented a group of students with a shiny statue. They asked the students to come up with a speech about the statue, and once they had given the speech, they were asked to clean it.
The researchers analyzed the way the students cleaned the statue and compared that with a control group, who cleaned it without having to give a speech [2].
The researchers evaluated the students based on three categories: redundancy, repetitiveness, and rigidity. Redundancy refers to actions that exceed what is necessary to achieve a goal, repetitiveness is recurrent behaviors or utterances, and rigidity is the level of exactness to which the students performed the task [1].
The study showed that the students who had to give a speech showed an increase in repetitiveness and rigidity, but not redundancy. Essentially, the amount of anxiety the participants felt predicted how many hand movements they made during cleaning, and how long they cleaned the object before deciding that it had been adequately cleaned [1,2].
A Feeling of Control
Both humans and animals experience stress when they find themselves in an uncertain situation that they cannot control, causing them to resort to repetitive motor actions or movements as a coping mechanism [3].
These behaviors are often similar to those exhibited by individuals who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are used in an attempt to regain control of a situation [4].
Obsessive cleaning is a manifestation of this tactic, however, if it is not an option, an anxious or stressed person may resort to other repetitive behaviors, like biting their nails or praying [2].
Prof. David Eilam of TAU’s Department of Zoology at the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences conducted found that ritualistic behavior under stress can be seen in both humans and animals [5].
He explains that every activity that we do involves three phases- preparatory, functional, and confirmatory. The functional phase is the specific action that must occur in order to complete the task, while the preparatory and confirmatory (also called the head and tail), are completed before and after the action, and are not actually necessary to complete it.
His team looked at common actions performed by people, and compared those actions to basketball players shooting a free-throw. Technically, all they have to do is shoot the ball to complete the action, but most players perform specific ritualistic actions before each shot, such as bouncing the ball precisely six times.
“The routine they perform in the moments before shooting the ball is a method to focus their full concentration and control their actions.” Prof. Eilam says [5].
Head and tail activities can be seen during daily activities as well, however, they appear to be performed more often during times of stress.
Prediction Error Signals
Your brain’s primary job is to draw conclusions about the future and to align behavior with those predictions. To do this, your brain gathers as much data as possible and puts it into the predictor system. The problem, however, is that the brain can’t get enough information to accurately predict the future, leading to feelings of uncertainty.
This uncertainty causes your brain to set off “prediction error signals”, which produces feelings of anxiety [6].
Rituals, however, bring order and structure to our world, which is more often than not, incoherent and chaotic. The act of performing a specific sequence of movements tricks your brain into thinking that experiencing predictability and stability.
When uncertainty is beyond our control, our brains will subconsciously cause us to engage in ritualized movements as compensation, and to bring about a sense of personal control [6].
Add a Ritual, like Anxiety Cleaning, to Your Life to Ease Anxiety
While in some cases, such as with OCD, rituals can become unhealthy, for most of us rituals are an effective way to give us structure when we feel structure is lost, and to make us feel safe. Rituals, such as those you might find in a cultural or religious ceremony, fulfill a psychological need to bring order to our lives.
If you find you are dealing with increasing amounts of stress and anxiety, consider adding some rituals into your day, or committing more strongly to the ones that you already have. A ritual could be deep breathing every morning before you get out of bed, or even simply following a morning routine that is the same every day.
Now, more than ever, when our lives have been turned upside down and our usual routines have been all but abandoned, including some structure and ritual to your day can ease your stress and bring about a sense of calm.
Sources: