| How to Color Block Posted: 02 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Color-blocking is a popular design trend that involves mixing solid colors to create a striking statement. If you love bright colors, it's easy to incorporate color-blocking into your own wardrobe and home decor! [Edit]Mixing Colors - Choose 2-3 colors that you think go well together. If you're not sure how to pair colors, look at a color wheel. Try to either choose colors which are close together on the wheel, like orange, red, and pink, or which are directly across from each other, like blue and yellow. You can also use varying shades of the same color.[1]
- Pair a neutral color with a bold shade for subtle colorblocking. If using a lot of bright colors isn't your style, try picking one bold shade and pairing it with neutral colors. This will make the bold color stand out without being overwhelming.[2]
- For instance, you might mix a warm grey skirt with a top that's bright yellow to make the yellow really pop.
- Experiment with unexpected color combinations. Part of what makes colorblocking such a popular trend is that it opens the door to fun and unusual color combinations. Try pairing your favorite blue shirt with a bright fuschia jacket, for instance.[3]
[Edit]Colorblocking Your Outfit - Choose colors that look good on your skin. The colors that look best on you will work best on your skin's undertone, which is either warm or cool. Warmer skin tones look best in bold, warm colors, while cooler skin tones look better in blues and paler hues.[4]
- If you're not sure how to determine your undertone, look at the veins in your wrist. If they seem greenish, you have a warm undertone. If they are blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If your veins appear bluish-green, you have a neutral undertone and can wear almost any color.
- Try colorblocking with pieces you already own. You don't have to go out and buy a new wardrobe to try the colorblocking trend. Just look for shirts, pants, or accessories in solid colors and mix them together.[5]
- If you already have a bright yellow T-shirt, for instance, you could pair it with a dark pair of jeans and a pair of blue sneakers to create an easy colorblocked look.
- Wear a tailored suit with a bold shirt to bring colorblocking to the office. Since colorblocking focuses on simplicity, it's a perfect trend to incorporate in your professional looks. Wearing a brightly-colored blouse or button-down shirt with your suit will give your look a pop of personality while still being appropriate for work.
- Choose your shirt based on the color of your suit and what looks best on you. For instance, if you have a navy suit, your shirt could be red, pink, powder-blue, yellow, teal, fuschia, or green.
- Wear several different shades of the same color for a striking colorblock effect. If you really want to stand out, create a head-to-toe look out of shades of the same hue. Depending on the pieces you wear, this look can work for anything from a night out to a formal occasion.
- Try wearing coral slacks, a salmon shirt, tan shoes, and pumpkin-colored accessories for a casually cool fall look.
- Choose bold accessories without embellishments. Colorblocking is all about creating clean lines to show off your color choices. Your accessories should be simple and graphic and should build on your overall look.[6]
- Try pairing a purple shirt with a chunky teal necklace or wide belt to try out a trendy color combination.
- Pick simple shoes that accent your outfit. You can never go wrong with a neutral pair of shoes, but colorblocking is a chance to try out some really fun footwear. Look for shoes in bold colors, but avoid shoes which match the other colors in your outfit too perfectly, as this can look old-fashioned.
- Make a pair of blue trousers pop by finishing your look with a pair of red slip-on shoes.[7]
- Colorblock your nails for a subtle way to try this trend. To colorblock your nails, paint them a solid color, then let them dry completely. Next, use pieces of clear tape to divide your nail into 3-4 sections. Paint each section a different color. Carefully peel off the tape, then let your nails dry completely.[8]
- When you're creating your design, you can do a side-by-side pattern, or you can divide your nails with a diagonal or zig-zag line. Be creative!
- If you like, top your nails with a protective clear coat.
[Edit]Using Colorblocking in Your Home - Use colorblocking to create an eyecatching tablescape. Whether you are planning a special occasion or you just want to brighten up the dinner table, you can bring colorblocking into your dining room. Select plates, chargers, napkins, and a centerpiece in a variety of bold colors.[9]
- To make your family dinner more inviting, lay down a white tablecloth, then add solid-colored plates in a variety of reds, yellows, and greens. Place a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit in the center of the table to finish the look.
- Paint an accent wall in 2 bold shades. If you want to make colorblocking a more integral part of your interior design, try dividing a wall in 2 with painter's tape. Paint the top half of the wall in one color, remove the tape, then let the paint dry completely. Replace the painter's tape and paint the bottom half in another color.[10]
- Paint wooden furniture in a colorblock pattern. If you have an old desk, table, or dresser that could use refreshing, try painting it in different colors to bring the colorblock trend to any room in your house.[11]
- For instance, if you have a dresser that you want to put in a little girl's room, you could paint the body of it light grey, then paint the drawer faces a soft pink. Finish the dresser with some imitation crystal drawer pulls for a sophisticated take on colorblocking.
- Use brightly colored rugs to accent your colorblocked look. No matter how you're incorporating colorblocking into your home, you can use rugs to complete your look. You can choose a rug in a solid color, or amplify the trend with a rug that is colorblocked.[12]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Thicken Chili Posted: 02 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST If you're left with too much liquid in your chili, there are numerous ways you can thicken it at the last moment. Some methods do alter the flavor slightly, but the difference is not usually dramatic. If you want to give your dinner guests the option of thickening their own portions or eating it as a soupy chili, there is also a final section of ways to thicken individual servings of chili. Keep reading to learn more about these methods in greater detail. [Edit]Use a Standard Thickening Method - Use flour. Alternatively use unflavored protein powder (available at drugstores, and some grocery stores) for thickening low carb chili. Add a slurry made from 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water (or dip out some of the chili juice to use) and 2 Tbsp (30 ml) flour.[1]
- Mix the flour and water in a separate bowl, beating well with a fork so that the resulting thickener is smooth and without lumps.
- Add the flour mixture to the chili and cook over medium to medium-high heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until the liquid boils and thickens. This should only take a few minutes.
- Continue cooking and stirring an additional minute after the chili thickens so that the flour is completely combined with the chili. Otherwise, you might be able to detect hints of flour in the flavor of the chili.
- For larger batches of chili in which the excess liquid equals 2 cups (500 ml) or more, double the amount of flour and water you use.
- While flour is a flavorless thickener, some believe that using too much flour and water in your chili can dull and dilute the flavor, making it less potent.
- Create a cornstarch slurry. Mix together 1 Tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch with 1 Tbsp (15 ml) cold water to add to the chili.
- Beat the cornstarch and water together thoroughly in a small, separate bowl before adding it to the chili. Make sure that there are no lumps.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the warm chili and heat over medium to medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles and thickens. You should see results within a few minutes.
- Add more cornstarch and water, if needed. If the chili is still not thick enough, you can create more of the slurry to add in. Large batches with more than 2 cups (500 ml) of excess liquid may need twice the amount of cornstarch slurry, if not more.
- Let the chili cook for an additional 2 minutes after it thickens so that the cornstarch breaks down completely. Otherwise, it could tint the flavor of the chili.
- Note that cornstarch gives liquids a slightly glossy appearance.
- Also note that cornstarch is flavorless and will not alter the taste of the chili, though if you add too much of the slurry, it can dilute the flavor and tone it down.
- Try cornmeal or masa harina. Adding 2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 ml) of either cornmeal or masa harina straight to the chili will also thicken the liquid.[2]
- Add the cornmeal or masa harina to the chili without mixing any water into it first. Mix it in thoroughly so that it absorbs some of the liquid, thickening it up.
- Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes after adding the thickener.[3]
- Fine cornmeal resembles flour but has a strong corn taste, as it is ground directly from corn. Masa harina also has a strong taste, since it is ground straight from dried hominy, which is a product of corn.
- Adding either cornmeal or masa harina will affect the taste of the chili. It can impart the taste of polenta or tortilla shells to the liquid.
- While many individuals may find that the added taste complements the flavor of the chili, others argue that it pollutes the taste, instead.
- Opt for arrowroot. Add 1 tsp (5 ml) of arrowroot mixed with about 1 tsp (5 ml) of cold water to the chili and let simmer until thick.
- Mix the water and arrowroot separately in a small bowl until smooth.
- After adding the slurry, allow the chili to come to a simmer, stirring constantly. The liquid should thicken quickly.
- Arrowroot refers to a starch obtained from the arrowroot plant. It can usually be found near the cornstarch.
- Arrowroot is flavorless and potent, so only a small amount is needed. Since a small amount is used, it should not dilute the taste too much, making it a favorite among many chili fans.
- Like other starches, arrowroot will add a slight gloss to the appearance of the chili liquid.
- Let the chili reduce. Remove the lid from your pot of chili and let it simmer for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
- You can bring up the temperature to reduce the amount of time, bringing it closer to 30 minutes. Do not let the chili reach a full boil, though. If you keep the chili cooking on low at a slow simmer, it may take closer to 60 minutes before significant reduction is noticed.
- This process uses evaporation to reduce the amount of liquid in the chili. Removing the lid maximizes the effect by allowing more steam to escape.
- The remaining chili liquid will have a stronger, more concentrated flavor after the reduction is complete.
[Edit]Emulsify - Buy an emulsifier. An emulsifier, such as lecithin (commonly available in health food sections) will help disperse the fat throughout the chili, adding a slightly thicker, rich mouthfeel to every bite without actually increasing viscosity much.
- Discard excessive fat before emulsifying. This process makes the fat more appetizing, if you were going to keep it, but adds fat if you'd otherwise drain it off.
- Add the emulsifier conservatively: a teaspoon for a little pot, a tablespoon for a big one.
[Edit]Thicken with Chili Ingredients - Mix in tomato paste. Stir a 6-oz (180-ml) can of tomato paste into the chili during the final 30 minutes of cooking, stirring well to combine.
- Since the vast majority of chili is tomato-based, adding additional tomato paste to the chili does not introduce much new flavor to the chili. It can remove some of the "kick," however, so you may need to bump up the amount of seasoning you use to balance things out.
- Since tomato paste can be somewhat bitter, you may also want to add 1 tsp (5 ml) to 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of granulated sugar to the chili, as well. The sugar will balance out the bitterness and add a mild sweetness to the chili.
- If you only want the chili to become a little thicker, add the tomato paste slowly, using about 1/3 of the can every 10 minutes or so. Stir well after each addition. This will give you an idea of how thick the chili is becoming and can prevent your chili from becoming too thick.
- If your chili has beans in it, strain out about 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the beans and re-fry, or puree them in a food processor or blender. Return these beans to the chili, mix in, and let cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until well warmed.[4]
- Be careful when pureeing hot food, especially if using a blender. The puree can spin out of the blender and cause burns if you do not keep the lid held down with a thick towel.
- If you expect the chili to be too thin before you start making it, you can make the process easier on yourself by pureeing 1/2 cup (125 ml) or more of the beans before adding them to the chili.
- Add home-cooked or canned beans. They do not need to be mashed up in order to make your chili seem thicker. Use a can of pinto or kidney beans.
- Add quick oats. Inexpensive canned "No Beans" chili, thick and popular for hot dog topping, is not all meat. Its non-meat ingredient is oatmeal! (Really, read the label). Dried oats, for oatmeal, absorb a lot of liquid and form distinct moist kernels transitioning to soft but not completely mushy ones as they cook. Check the canister for the amount of finished oatmeal a certain amount of dried oats will make by absorbing liquid, and add conservatively. Cook for at least a few minutes for "quick" (parboiled) oats; at least a half hour for "old-fashioned" oats.
- Add other solid ingredients. Sometimes the liquid itself is thick enough, but the chili has too few solid ingredients and is not chunky enough. In these instances, feel free to alter the recipe simply by adding more solids. But bear in mind that many "solids" have a lot of liquid in them and will soften with or even release it in cooking. Adding precooked items like drained tomatoes, onion, corn, beans or okra, etc. toward the end of the cooking makes the chili chunky, but adding them midway through and cooking much longer can bring out additional juices and make the chili soupy.
- Add uncooked noddles to simmering chili to take-up liquid. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to heat and check the noodles until they are as tender or al dente (firm) as you like.
- Add diced tomatoes -- either canned or fresh. Let this to simmer gently for 10 minutes or so to heat well, or longer to soften the fresh tomatoes, if you wish.
- Use diced peppers, such as 1/2 to 1 bell pepper, diced, for a mild, sweet flavor. Use 1 chili pepper to add more heat to the chili, if desired. Let it simmer, gently, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in minced or powdered, dried onion and let it simmer to absorb water. Onion adds a spicy-sweet flavor but does not linger on the breath like raw onion would do.
[Edit]Thicken Upon Serving - Wait until the end for this method. If you have a thin chili pot that doesn't spread heat well, don't like to stir the chili, or want extra thick chili, it's best to wait until the end because thickening will decrease convection that spreads heat throughout the chili mass without creating hot spots that can scorch.
- Crumble a few saltine crackers and stir them into your individual serving of chili. Start with 3 or 4 crackers, adding more to bring the chili to your desired thickness.
- You could also use miniature oyster crackers, but it is still a good idea to break them up so that they can absorb more of the liquid.
- To add an interesting dimension of flavor, you could also use flavored gourmet crackers. Try garlic-and-cheese, green onion, or four-cheese flavored crackers, for instance.
- Try crushed corn chips. Add a layer of crushed corn chips into your bowl before ladling the chili in. Stir to combine.
- While corn chips do not thicken the chili quite as much as crackers do, many prefer the flavor of corn chips to the flavor of crackers for chili. While they do not thicken the liquid itself, they do thicken the overall texture of the chili by adding another solid to it.
- Stir in potato flakes. You can sprinkle 1 to 2 Tbsp (15 to 30 ml) of dried potato flakes into a large individual serving of chili while it is still hot.
- The potato flakes will lighten the color of the chili slightly. They may also alter the flavor, giving it a heartier taste, but the difference is not especially dramatic.
- Add crumbled cornbread, such as a single muffin or slice of cornbread into the chili and stir a little. The cornbread will absorb some of the liquid, making the chili seem thicker overall.
- Stir in grated cheese, chipped-up soft cheese or cheese dip/sauce. The cheese adds rich, creamy smoothness to the lucky partaker's palate.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Small bowl
- Fork
- Spoon
- Stovetop
- Stockpot
- Serving bowls
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Dry Apples in the Oven Posted: 02 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST Drying apples is a good way to preserve them for use in your favorite recipes later on down the road. It's also the secret to making apple chips, which are a tasty snack in their own right. No matter how you intend to use them, drying apples at home couldn't be easier—all you need is an oven and a couple of hours. Just slice your washed, cored apples into rings and stick them in a preheated oven for 2-3 hours. When they come out, they'll be delicate, crunchy, and oh-so-sweet. [Edit]Ingredients - 1-2 apples (washed, cored, and sliced)
- water
- lemon juice
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, apple pie spice, or other seasonings (optional—to taste)
*Makes approximately 20-50 slices* [Edit]Slicing Your Apples - Preheat your oven to around . Before you get started, turn on your oven to its lowest heat setting. That way, you can wash, core, and slice your apples while the oven is warming up. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, all you'll have to do is pop in the apples and set a timer.[1]
- Feel free to use a lower heat setting if your oven has one. Some ovens go as low as .
- Low, even heat tends to be best for drying, as it prevents food from burning. Keep in mind, however, that it can take considerably longer for your apples to dry fully at lower temperatures.
- Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Overlap the individual pieces of parchment paper to make sure that the bottom of the baking sheet is completely covered. The parchment paper will prevent your apples from sticking to the baking sheets as the sugars in them heat up.[2]
- You may need to grab an additional baking sheet if you're going to be preparing more than 1 or 2 apples at a time.
- Wash your apples thoroughly. Run the apples under a stream of cool water. Use your fingers to gently rub off any stubborn dirt or traces of waxy coating. When you're done, shake off the excess water and pat the apples dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- If you're planning on drying lots of apples, it may be faster to wash them all at once in a colander or wire strainer.
- Core and slice your apples into slices. Cut the core out of your apples neatly using an apple corer or paring knife. Then, run the top of each apple back and forth over the blade of mandoline to reduce them to slices of a uniform thickness.[3]
- If you don't have a mandoline, simply use a sharp knife with a long blade to cut the apples as thin as possible.
- When drying apple slices, it's easiest to cut them into rings rather than wedges or other shapes.
- Dip your apple slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice. Combine of water and of lemon juice in a small mixing bowl and stir well. Dunk the slices in the solution for a few seconds, then remove them and set them aside on a layer of folded paper towels and press them dry.[4]
- It's important to dilute your lemon juice. The natural citric acid will keep your apples from becoming brown and mushy while they're in the oven, but too much can actually have the opposite effect.[5]
- This step is entirely optional. A little browning shouldn't affect the taste of your dried apples.
- Arrange the slices on your lined baking sheets in a single even layer. Try to leave at least of space between each slice. This will allow more warm air to circulate between them, cutting down on their overall drying time and ensuring a more consistent texture.[6]
- If you like, you can dust your apple slices with a light coating of cinnamon, nutmeg, or blended apple pie spice before putting them in the oven to give them even more flavor.[7]
[Edit]Heating Your Apples - Bake the apple slices for 1 hour. Set a timer to help you keep track of how long they've been in the oven. After about an hour, the edges of the rings will begin to curl slightly, and the peel on the outside will take on a darker color.[8]
- If your oven doesn't have a built-in timer, use a separate kitchen timer or set an alarm on your phone to alert you when your apples are finished heating on their first side.
- Leave the door of the oven propped open just a hint while your apples are baking. Doing so will improve the air circulation inside and help moisture escape.
- Turn the slices over. Using an oven mitt or potholder, reach into the oven and carefully remove the baking sheet. Flip each slice over with a fork or pair of tongs, then slide the baking sheet back into the oven.[9]
- If you don't turn your slices, they could come out more done on one side than the other.
- Continue baking for an additional 1-3 hours. From here on out, it's best to simply keep an eye on your apples rather than resetting your timer. Try to check them every half hour or so to see how they're coming along. You'll want to take them out once they begin to turn a golden-brown color around the edges.[10]
- Drying times will vary depending on the exact thickness of your slices, as well as the natural moisture content of the variety of apples you're working with.
- In some cases, it may take as long as 5-8 hours for your apple slices to dry out completely. This is especially likely if you have your oven set to a temperature lower than .[11]
- There's no need to turn your apple slices again once they go back in the oven for the second time unless they start to get too brown on the bottom.
- Turn off your oven and allow your apple slices to cool inside. Let your slices sit until both them and the oven have returned to room temperature. This shouldn't take any longer than about half an hour. Allowing your apples to cool will make them safer to handle while also giving any lingering moisture a chance to evaporate.[12]
- To determine whether your apples are done, take one out after they've had a chance to cool and tear it in half. It should be dry and leathery on the outside and slightly spongy on the inside.
- If you think your slices need a little longer, preheat the oven again and place them back inside for 30 minutes at a time.
- Store your apple slices in a cool, dry, dark place. Once you're satisfied that your apples are sufficiently dried, transfer them to a plastic zipper bag, lidded storage container, or mason jar. As long as you keep them off-limits to heat and moisture, they should last for weeks, if not months.[13]
- Consider setting aside a few slices as soon as you take them out of the oven. Many people think that dried apples are best while they're still fresh and warm.[14]
- If you're worried about your apples going bad, stash them in the freezer. There, they'll keep for 6 months to a year (or longer)!
- Drying apples in the oven is much cheaper than investing in an expensive dehydrator, much less work than drying them in a wood stove or microwave, and much faster than drying them naturally in the sun.
- Enjoy your dried apples on their own as a healthy snack, or make them part of a nutritious packed lunch.
- Try chopping your dried apples into small pieces and adding them to oatmeal, yogurt, or homemade trail mix.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Slicing Your Apples - Mandoline or sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Clean cloth or paper towel
- Colander or wire strainer (optional)
- Apple corer (optional)
- Paring knife (optional)
[Edit]Baking Your Apples - Oven
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven mitt
- Fork or tongs
- Plastic zipper bag, lidded storage container, mason jar, or another airtight container
[Edit]References [Edit]Related wikiHows ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252668/dried-apples/ ↑ https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/homemade-oven-baked-apple-chips/ ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIWfXBWTNlc&feature=youtu.be&t=24 ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252668/dried-apples/ ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-keep-apples-from-turning-brown-article ↑ https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/homemade-oven-baked-apple-chips/ ↑ http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-make-homemade-dried-apple-rings-in-the-oven/ ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252668/dried-apples/ ↑ https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/homemade-oven-baked-apple-chips/ ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252668/dried-apples/ ↑ http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-make-homemade-dried-apple-rings-in-the-oven/ ↑ http://www.gettystewart.com/how-to-make-homemade-dried-apple-rings-in-the-oven/ ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252668/dried-apples/ ↑ https://www.shelovesbiscotti.com/homemade-oven-baked-apple-chips/ |
| How to Practice Random Acts of Kindness Posted: 01 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Random acts of kindness are deliberate attempts to brighten another person's day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring. While the possibilities for the things you can do to be kind are almost endless, the most important thing is to expect nothing in return. Complimenting people, sharing a smile, paying it forward, and expressing thanks are great ways to get started with practicing random acts of kindness. [Edit]Brightening Someone's Day - Give out compliments generously. Instead of staring at the floor when you're stuck in an awkward silence, find something you like about the other person and compliment them on it. Not only will it make them feel good, it just might kick off a conversation with a new friend.[1] For example:
- "Wow, you look great today!"
- "I love your new haircut."
- "Where did you get that sweater? It's so pretty!"
- Share compliments that you overheard with the person they're about.[2]
- Remind the people in your life that you're grateful for them.[3]
- Share a smile. Smiles are contagious! Whenever you're talking to someone, whether they are a stranger or a friend, show that you're happy to be with them in that moment.[4]
- If you meet someone who's sad or grumpy, smile anyway. Ask them if they're having a hard day, listen to their problems, offer to help in any way you can, and wish them better luck in the future. Share contact information if there is something you can do to help them down the road.
- Visit or send postcards to sick kids in the hospital. Even if you don't know them, kids will love having someone new to talk to. Bring a small gift, like a card or stuffed animal, to show them that people are thinking of them.
- The elderly can also get lonely. Visit them and listen to their stories.
- Volunteer for a cause you care about. Find a homeless shelter in your area, and offer your help with meals and transportation. If you love animals, look for an animal shelter or rescue. Help out by cleaning cages and taking the dogs for walks.
- Pay it forward. Pay for the meals of the people sitting next to you at a restaurant. Cover the coffee for the people in the car behind you at the drive-thru. Feed the parking meter for the car next to yours to keep them from getting a ticket. Pay for tickets for the family in line behind you at the zoo or movies.
- Give up your seat on public transportation. It doesn't have to just be for elderly folks or pregnant women; everyone will appreciate a seat in a packed bus or train.[5]
- Practice self-care and love. Being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to other people. Take care of yourself by getting rid of your negative filter, taking a break to read a good book or take a bath, and complimenting yourself. Support yourself with positive affirmation, and be patient when things don't go exactly as planned. This will put you in a better mindset to help others.
[Edit]Expressing Gratitude - Do a chore for a family member before they can get to it. If your partner normally cooks dinner, do it for them that day in the exact same way that they would do it. It will show them that you appreciate how much they do for you.
- You can also wash their car, weed the yard, do the dishes for a week with no questions asked, or make them breakfast in bed.
- Thank the people who normally don't receive a lot of thanks. We tend to forget about the more "invisible" people in our society who keep our lives running smoothly. Thank the person who delivers your mail, the barista who prepared your coffee, and the janitor who cleans building where you work. Write a note or say "thank you" genuinely in person.[6][7]
- Send or bring treats like donuts or pastries to your local police station, emergency room, or fire department. You can order them from a bakery, or even better, make them yourself! Include a thank you card with your gift.
- A lot of people don't get much positive reinforcement in their day-to-day life, so kind words really help them feel seen.[8]
- Leave a big tip at a restaurant. Waiters and waitresses often rely on tips for a large part of their income. Make someone's day by leaving a 50-100% tip.[9]
- Pick up trash on the side of the road and throw it away. Normally city employees or private clean-up agencies do that, so make their job easier by cleaning up any litter that you see.[10] Make sure you stop your car safely on the side of the road if you were driving.
- If you take a walk, take a plastic grocery bag with you so you can collect any trash you see.
- Expect nothing in return. The greatest acts of kindness are those freely given because you care about another person and want them to be happy. Kindness is its own reward, so it will improve your sense of well-being and happiness no matter what you do.[11]
- If you pick up trash on the side of the road, don't call the city waste management office and brag about how much work you've saved them.
- If you do a chore for a family member, don't hold it over their head by saying "You owe me one."
- If you give up your seat on public transportation, don't look around at other people expecting them to give up their seat for you.
- The phrase "random acts of kindness" is a shortened form of "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty," which comes from a 1993 book of the same title by Anne Herbert and Paloma Pavel.[12] It is a reversal of "random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty", a common newsspeak phrase in the 1980s.[13]
- "National Random Acts of Kindness Day" a national holiday celebrated in the U.S. on February 17th.[14]
- Even the smallest things can be random acts of kindness, like smiling at someone or saying hi to a stranger.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Accept Your Body Posted: 01 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST People are constantly bombarded with unrealistic and potentially harmful images of "ideal" body types. This can make it difficult to accept, love, and feel confident in your own body, which is critical. It's also important to learn what your body can physically do and become comfortable with these capacities. According to philosopher Baruch Spinoza, humans "know not what a body can do," in the sense that nobody can know exactly what their body is actually capable of doing, at least before experimenting with it.[1] Psychologists note that there is a distinction between how people perceive their bodies and how their bodies engage in actions.[2] In order to accept your body, it's important to get in touch with both of these aspects of your body on their own terms. [Edit]Appreciating Your Unique Body - Recognize what actually gives you pleasure. Make a list of your most pleasurable moments. Include as many details as possible, such as who you were with, what you were doing, where you were, etc. Reflect on what these have in common. Was it the type of people you were with? The amount of excitement produced? Or simply the setting, like being in nature or in a big city? As you realize the conditions under which your body has received the most pleasure in the past, try maximizing the amount of time you spend in similar situations in the future.
- Every person has a unique body, which means you'll need to experiment and find out what gives you pleasure.[3] Research suggests that less than half of Americans describe themselves as particularly happy with their present conditions, partly because they're not entirely certain about what actually makes them happy. Start off simply by thinking back on all of the times you would describe as happy.
- Recognize what you are naturally good at. Part of having a unique bodily structure and chemistry is coming to terms with the fact that some bodies will naturally be better at some activities than others. If you max out your height growth at 2 inches, for example, odds are you won't become a world class center in the NBA. But, you might become a particularly good horse jockey. Learning to accept your body means learning to accept that your body is better at performing certain actions as opposed to others. It might take you some time to figure out what activities those are.
- If you aren't sure what activities your body is naturally suited for, spend some time experimenting with ones you'd never imagine yourself to be interested in. Take a class in yoga or pottery. Attend an improvisational performance meeting. Just like Spinoza said, there's no way to know what your body can do until you do it.
- Identify what you like about your body and appearance. Even people with terrible body image can find something about their bodies to appreciate. It's important that you learn to love and appreciate all of your good qualities, including physical ones. Don't allow yourself to get hung up on qualities that bother you, only focus on the positive.
- For example, you may currently be unhappy with your thighs—perhaps you think they are chubby or scrawny—but try to put a positive spin on this. You may wish you had slightly thinner thighs, but they do an excellent job propelling you up hills. Or, you may think your legs are spindly, but you are among the few that can really pull off wearing skinny-jeans.
- Accept your body as it is. This means not trying to change who you are or focus on qualities you don't like. Learn to enjoy your body - how you move, feel, and get around. Let go of how you used to look, especially if your body has undergone changes from pregnancy, childbirth, injuries, or medical conditions. Be kind to your body as it is right now.[4]
- Don't put yourself on a diet, unless your doctor has advised it. Learn to listen to your body and eat a comfortable amount. Don't deny yourself food or beat yourself up about how much you eat.[5]
[Edit]Learning to Avoid Negative Thoughts about Your Body - Realize how much time you devote to negative thoughts. Negative thoughts do nothing to improve your self-image. Spend a day or two actively reflecting upon how often you think about your body. How often do you think or say something negative about your body? How often do you have positive thoughts? Chances are, you are far more critical than positive.[6]
- Consider keeping a tally in a journal, note-pad, or on your phone for this task. Carry a notebook with you when possible and quickly jot down each negative thought that comes up. Include whether or not the negative thought was related to the way you might have looked. At the end of the day, you will likely be amazed at how much more negative you are throughout at single day than you realized.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. While this may be difficult in the beginning, it's an important part of accepting your body. As soon as you notice yourself starting to have a negative thought, replace it with something positive about yourself.[7] Give yourself time to get into the habit of thinking positively.[8]
- Try starting each day by thinking a few positive thoughts. Remind yourself of these thoughts throughout the day when you start feeling critical of yourself. For example, you might say, "I really like the way this new haircut makes me feel."
- Limit your exposure to negative media images. Try to cut back or stop engaging with television shows, movies, magazines, or blogs that present an unrealistic or negative depiction of the body. Remind yourself that a majority of photos circulating the internet and magazine subscriptions have been altered to make the models pictured appear more in line with standard notions of beauty and sexuality.[9]
- Psychologists are worried that with this trend's increase over the last 20 years, such images are creating unrealistic ideals regarding what a body should look like. Don't allow yourself to be sucked in by these empty caricatures with no reference in the real world.
- Find a therapist who uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Many CBT techniques used by psychologists focus on the present and short-term using goals as therapy.[10] While it's best to see a therapist for CBT, you can begin to practice it on your own. When you notice a negative thought about yourself surface, stop yourself, take a deep breath, and try to locate the evidence for your belief. Has anyone actually told you this aspect of your body was flawed? If so, was the person just trying to hurt you, or maybe making a joke?
- Psychologists believe that, in many cases, if you have an unrealistic expectation of how you should look, you'll have a distorted body image. It's important to notice when these unrealistic expectations show up in your thought processes, so that you can hopefully challenge these ideals with concrete information.[11]
- Handle the negative people in your life. You are already working on being kinder to yourself and focusing on the positive aspects of yourself, but you also need to assess the other people in your life. Do you get criticism from your friends and family? Do they tell you that you need to lose weight, dress differently, or change your hair? If so, it's important that you find ways to address these negative influences.
- Keep in mind that you probably won't be able to cut out your close friends and family in the same way that you can stop buying Vogue or watching America's Next Top Model. Even so, if they body-shame you or are overly harsh and critical, you need to be willing to have a respectful, yet firm discussion with them about how their words or behaviors hurt you.
- Mix in different social groups. As you try out new activities, talk to people you might typically ignore or shy away from. Talking to strangers might feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it the easier and better it will get. No matter how uncomfortable you might feel at first, keep in mind that isolating yourself from other people can be even worse, with some research suggesting it can be just as deadly in the long run as obesity.[12] It is important to become more comfortable engaging with new people, especially if the people you are currently around aren't supportive of your body-image or aren't positive influences.
- Brain research suggests that who people love is highly influenced by their brain chemistry, which means you might not always fall in love with the kind of person you imagined for yourself.[13] This can also be true for building close friendships. It's important to surround yourself with people who support you and encourage your self-discovery. Simply put, it will be much easier to accept your body and challenge any unrealistic ideals you might have if you're surrounded by people that accept you and your discoveries.[14]
[Edit]Learning to Focus on the Positive - Pay attention to the compliments you receive. Rather than look out for criticisms, enjoy the compliments you get. Pay attention to the content of other peoples' compliments and remember them. Write them down so that you can remind yourself of them later, especially during darker moments.
- Instead of dismissing other peoples' compliments or convincing yourself that they're just being polite, take them at their word and trust that they are not just humoring you. Consider that others are giving you their honest assessments. Accept their positive words graciously.
- Consistently identify what you like about yourself. Every time you notice yourself thinking negatively about your body or an aspect of it, remind yourself of something about your body that you like. Make a list of at least ten positive things about yourself, omitting anything appearance-related. Add to the list frequently.
- This will help you begin to understand and appreciate all the wonderful aspects of yourself. You'll realize that your body is just one part of your total package. [15]
- Reinvent your relationship with your mirror. If you spend too much time in front of the mirror, make a rule that you can't say or think anything negative about yourself when you look in it. Instead, use your mirror to identify the positive things you see. If you're still struggling with the mirror, take it away for a while. Studies have shown that you may be more likely to focus on your career or relationship, rather than your looks.[16]
- Verbalize positive affirmations in front of the mirror: Say to yourself "You're beautiful!", "You're amazing," etc. when standing in front of the mirror.[17] This may feel forced, and you may not initially believe what you're telling yourself, but experts tell us that this process—what they call cognitive behavior therapy—really does work over time.
[Edit]Setting Goals and Making Changes - Improve your health and well-being. Part of learning to fully accept and be happy with your body may mean that eventually you change some aspect of it. For example, this might mean that if you are overweight, you hope to lose weight. But, remember that the numbers on the scale are just one aspect of and indicator of your overall health. Make sure that you are scheduling and keeping regular physical exams where you can get all of your "numbers" (weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.). This will give you an overall picture of your health and will allow you to discuss your health goals with your doctor.
- It's possible that you may need to gain or lose weight to be healthy, but you should also aim to achieve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Set positive goals. Rather than focus on the negative of the goal, highlight the positive. For example, if you decide to begin a work-out regime, avoid framing your goal in terms of how many pounds you want to lose. Instead, have your goal be something positive, like "I'll work out so that I can run two miles without stopping," or "I'm going to commit to a walking program so that I'll be fit enough to hike part of the Appalachian Trail with my dad."[18]
- You'll have better luck at success (both in terms of achieving your goals and learning to feel better about yourself) if you think of what you hope to accomplish or be able to do better.
- Do physical activities that you enjoy. Choose activities and exercise programs that you find fun and entertaining, and don't select them solely on the basis of how they can help you change your body. Instead, spend some time trying out new activities and go with the ones you truly enjoy and can get excited about. If you love yoga, for example, then do it, even if you think that you are currently too overweight to look graceful at it. Nearly any fitness program can be adapted for individuals of different sizes and fitness levels.
- If you are self-conscious working out in front of other people, consider taking private lessons, working out with a close friend, or working out at home. Be careful not to let your fear of being judged by other people dictate how you will lead your life.
- Adopt your own style. Don't choose your clothes, make-up, or hair-style simply based on what you think is "appropriate" for someone of your body type or what the fashion magazines say is most flattering. Wear what you want, what you like, and what you feel comfortable in. Choose clothes that reflect your personality, that are comfortable, and that fit your lifestyle and activities.
- Try out a wide variety of clothing styles and fits. If you feel confident and beautiful in a style that is considered to be "flattering for body-type X," then by all means wear it, but do so because you like it, not because you think you're supposed to wear it.[19]
[Edit]Keeping Things in Perspective - Compare yourself only to yourself. The world would be a pretty boring place if we all looked the same. There's no point in comparing yourself to others, regardless of whether the person is a celebrity or classmate sitting next to you. Instead, compare yourself in terms of how you've progressed over time, now that you've created your own realistic goals. For example, you might think to yourself that you've improved your appearance compared to a few years ago.
- Don't forget to be patient and kind to yourself. Don't treat or judge yourself any more harshly than you would your friend or anyone else.[20]
- Know when to seek help. Understand that nearly everyone struggles to maintain positive body image all the time and it's normal to have ups and downs. But, you should also honestly consider if you need to speak with a counselor, doctor, or mental health professional.[21] There are various signs that your body issues are severe and require professional help. Ask yourself the following:[22][23]
- Are you unable to control negative thoughts about yourself? Do you spend hours thinking about your perceived flaws?
- Does your unhappiness with your appearance interfere with your life? For example, do you avoid going out or speaking in public? Do you dread going to work because you're afraid of being seen and judged?
- Do you spend an excessive amount of time in front of the mirror each day and/or groom excessively?
- Are you unable to stop comparing yourself to others? Do you avoid being photographed?
- Understand that if you struggle with any of these, you'll most likely need help to accept your body. You may possibly have what is known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which typically requires professional help. If left untreated, BDD can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior.[24] Even if you are not diagnosed with BDD, know that there is no shame in seeking help and advice rather than struggling on your own.
- Find professional help that works for you. You have several options when it comes to getting professional help. You can see a mental health therapist and/or counselor and get one-to-one therapy. Or, you could find local support groups for a slightly less formally structured experience. There are even online support groups where you can build relationships with others who suffer from pervasive negative thoughts about their body.
- The important thing here is simply finding support from others who are not going to judge your perceptions about yourself. They might even have some helpful tips to offer you.
- Remember that body-image is only one part of a healthy self-image. It is important that you learn to accept and hopefully love your body, but it's also vital to realize that your self-worth is not defined in any sense by what you look like.[25]
- When you think about the people you admire, love and/or respect the most, what qualities spring to mind? Do you value others or yourself only for the physical qualities or because of character and personality traits?[26]
- Put post-it notes on your mirror which identify your good traits. Feel free to include some notes which identify physical traits you appreciate (e.g., "You have gorgeous cheekbones"), but be sure to have some notes which are not just looks-related.
- A strong support system is important, since it can be helpful to have advice about your body-image from someone you trust. You can refer back to this when negative thoughts come up.
- Be sure to discuss with your doctor any decisions to begin a new diet or exercise program, and be on the lookout for extreme or sudden changes in your body.
- Everyone is different no matter what shape and size you are. Some people find different shapes and sizes different.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References - ↑ Spinoza, B. (1677). Ethics. Everyman Classics, translation by G H R Parkinson, 1989. (Note, Prop. II, Part III)
- ↑ Gallagher, S. (2005). How the body shapes the mind. Oxford; New York: Clarendon Press.
- ↑ Kate, H. (2013). Positive Psychology And The Body: The Somatopsychic Side To Flourishing: The somatopsychic side to flourishing. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
- ↑ [v161500_b02]. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/accepting-your-body/
- ↑ [v161500_b02]. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ http://www.bulimiahelp.org/articles/22-ways-love-and-accept-your-body-just-way-it
- ↑ [v161500_b02]. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vivian-diller-phd/photoshop-body-image_b_891095.html
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/demystifying-treatment-for-body-dysmorphic-disorder/
- ↑ Veale, D., Gournay, K., Dryden, W., Boocock, A., Shah, F., Willson, R., & Walburn, J., (1996). Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Cognitive Behavioural Model and Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 34, 717-729
- ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2013/08/dangers_of_loneliness_social_isolation_is_deadlier_than_obesity.html
- ↑ Marazziti, D., Akiskal, H. S., Rossi, A., & Cassano, G. B. (1999). Alteration of the platelet serotonin transporter in romantic love. Psychological Medicine, 29(3), 741–745.
- ↑ http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ894784.pdf
- ↑ http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/20-ways-love-your-body
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/16/fashion/mirror-fasts-help-take-the-focus-off-yourself.html?_r=0
- ↑ http://www.bulimiahelp.org/articles/22-ways-love-and-accept-your-body-just-way-it
- ↑ [v161500_b02]. 31 July 2020.
- ↑ http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/20-ways-love-your-body
- ↑ http://www.bulimiahelp.org/articles/22-ways-love-and-accept-your-body-just-way-it
- ↑ http://www.nedc.com.au/body-image
- ↑ http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938
- ↑ http://www.bulimiahelp.org/articles/22-ways-love-and-accept-your-body-just-way-it
- ↑ http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/20-ways-love-your-body
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